China Increases Aid to Philippines

Global leadership is the ability to overlook small differences in the face of catastrophe and display generosity, along with the power of example and rapid response. China was subjected to sharp criticism at home and abroad, after initially offering $100,000 in aid to the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan, reports Barbara Demick for the Los Angeles Times. China has since increased aid to $1.64 million. Disasters are viewed as an opportunity to display soft power, winning over hearts and minds of citizens in other nations, said one Asia scholar in her report. “To a large extent, the contributions reflect the underlying geopolitical tug of war in the South China Sea,” Demick notes. “Tensions with China have nudged the Philippines closer to the United States.” The disaster has killed at least 2,300 people, with the death toll expected to rise. Relief workers struggle to deliver aid to struck communities, and the United Nations estimates $300 million is needed in all. – YaleGlobal