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In the wake of the devastating earthquake in Myanmar, the global response has shifted dramatically. Historically, the United States has been a leader in international disaster relief, but this time, China has taken the lead in humanitarian efforts on the ground, while the United States has remained largely absent. The reason behind this shift can be traced to significant cuts and changes to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) under the administration of former President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

USAID’s Rapid Dismantling Under Trump Administration

The earthquake, which struck Myanmar earlier this year, has put the spotlight on the shrinking U.S. presence in global humanitarian aid. On the very day the quake hit, the U.S. State Department notified Congress of drastic staffing cuts at USAID. The once-thriving agency, which had over 10,000 employees working on international development and disaster response, is set to shrink to just 15 employees by fall. This dramatic reduction in personnel marks a significant retreat from the U.S.’s historic role as a key player in disaster relief efforts worldwide.

By the end of 2023, many of USAID’s global humanitarian programs are being shut down or transferred to the State Department. A recent court ruling has further authorized additional reductions in the agency’s capacity to respond to crises like the Myanmar earthquake. The move signals a broader shift in U.S. foreign policy priorities, which has led to fewer resources allocated to international aid and disaster response.

The Promise of Aid, But Little Follow-Through

Despite reassurances from the U.S. State Department that aid is still forthcoming, very little has materialized. Contracts for emergency logistics and the distribution of supplies were swiftly terminated, and funding for key aid organizations that rely on U.S. support has dried up. This has left Myanmar in a precarious position, with many aid programs halting their operations and critical services being suspended.

Jeremy Konyndyk, a former USAID director and now head of Refugees International, has strongly criticized the scaling back of U.S. aid efforts. Konyndyk described the move as “a full retreat from America’s historic leadership in disaster relief” and warned that the lack of a dedicated team capable of responding to crises effectively means that the U.S. is no longer able to provide the swift and substantial aid it once did. The global community has felt the impact of these cutbacks, with many in the humanitarian field lamenting the loss of a key partner in disaster response.

Health Systems and Aid Programs Struggling

USAID’s contribution to Myanmar had been significant, particularly in the area of health. In 2023, the agency contributed around $240 million to the country, accounting for roughly one-third of all international aid provided to Myanmar. However, this level of support has now nearly vanished. As a result, only three out of 18 aid programs remain active in the country, and at least seven hospitals that were previously funded by the U.S. have been forced to close their doors. The situation has left many health systems in the country unable to cope, particularly in refugee camps where medical services were essential for maintaining public health.

The lack of U.S. aid has been especially devastating for vulnerable populations. The United Nations Special Envoy to Myanmar, Tom Andrews, condemned the U.S. aid cuts as “cruel and unnecessary.” He pointed out that patients suffering from diseases like HIV and tuberculosis are now going untreated, and children with disabilities have lost essential care. The recent earthquake has only exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, with the need for immediate medical assistance and humanitarian aid more critical than ever.

China Steps In to Fill the Void

As the United States pulls back, China has swiftly filled the gap. The Chinese government has launched an extensive aid operation, providing emergency relief to Myanmar and other affected countries in the region. China’s response has been swift and highly visible, with military and civilian aid arriving quickly, and Chinese relief teams on the ground offering direct support. This response has not gone unnoticed, and many analysts believe that China’s increased involvement in disaster relief is part of a broader strategic effort to expand its influence in Southeast Asia.

China’s humanitarian efforts have allowed the country to increase its political and economic presence in Myanmar, a region that is strategically important to both countries. By stepping in during a time of crisis, China is not only providing essential aid but also enhancing its standing as a global leader in disaster response. Myanmar’s dependence on China for aid has further strengthened Beijing’s ties with the country, especially as Western nations, including the U.S., have retreated from global humanitarian efforts.

U.S. Influence Fades as China Gains Ground

The shift in international aid dynamics has raised concerns about the future of U.S. influence in Southeast Asia and beyond. For decades, the U.S. has been the dominant force in global humanitarian aid, but with USAID scaling down operations and global leadership in disaster response weakening, China’s growing role has begun to fill the void. While the U.S. continues to promise aid, its diminished capacity to deliver effectively has left many wondering whether Washington will be able to regain its standing as the leader in international relief efforts.

In Myanmar, the shift in aid priorities has put lives at risk, and many experts fear that the political vacuum left by the U.S. will allow China to dominate the region. With Washington pulling back, the future of U.S. foreign aid looks uncertain, and China’s influence in Southeast Asia is expected to grow stronger.

Conclusion: A New Era of Global Disaster Response

The dramatic scaling down of USAID, coupled with the U.S.’s diminished role in global disaster relief, marks a significant shift in international aid dynamics. With the U.S. retreating, China has become the dominant international presence in Myanmar and the surrounding region. As U.S. influence fades, the global community must grapple with the changing landscape of disaster response and the growing role of China in shaping the future of humanitarian aid.