China is rapidly expanding its global influence as the Trump administration scales back U.S. diplomatic and humanitarian efforts, according to a new report by Senate Democrats. The 91-page report from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee outlines how China has filled the void left by U.S. foreign aid cuts, boosting its presence in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.
The Trump administration has slashed billions in foreign aid, downsized the State Department, and begun firing over 1,300 U.S.-based staff. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has been effectively dismantled, with more than 80% of its global programs eliminated. The medical journal The Lancet warns that these cuts could result in over 14 million additional deaths by 2030.
Critics argue the rollback undermines America’s global leadership. “As we retreat, China is stepping in,” said Senator Jeanne Shaheen. The report details dozens of instances where China filled the gap, funding food aid, health initiatives, and infrastructure projects.
In Africa, China donated $2 million worth of rice to Uganda after U.S. food programs ended, and provided Zambia with 500,000 HIV test kits following a $37 million U.S. aid cut. In Southeast Asia, Chinese President Xi Jinping signed major cooperation deals during a regional tour, including railway projects in Vietnam and infrastructure agreements in Cambodia and Malaysia.
China also hosted the China-Latin American and Caribbean Forum in May, pledging $9 billion in credit and infrastructure investments. Meanwhile, the Trump administration defends its actions as part of an “America First” policy aimed at reducing federal spending and encouraging other nations to contribute more.
As the U.S. pulls back, China’s diplomatic momentum raises questions about the future balance of global power and influence.