Publication

This paper examines China's approach to aid giving in the Pacific region. It suggests that China is mired in a vicious cycle of short termism that is a legacy of its long-running diplomatic battle with Taiwan. The author states that its aid giving is unpredictable, secretive and takes no account of recurring costs or debt burdening. The paper finds that the recent diplomatic truce between China and Taiwan offers China a chance to refocus its program toward longer-term development goals that also better serve Chinese national interests.