Lawmakers Alarmed Over China Potentially Filling Void from U.S. Aid Freeze
U.S. lawmakers express concerns over the impact of foreign aid suspension on Cambodia’s demining operations, highlighting fears that China might seize the opportunity to increase its influence. The State Department’s review of foreign assistance has led to a critical pause in demining activities, raising alarms about potential risks to public safety. Calls for immediate restoration of funding emphasize the strategic importance of U.S. support in global development efforts.
Recent concerns have emerged among U.S. lawmakers regarding the potential for China to capitalize on the suspension of American foreign aid, specifically in Cambodia’s demining operations. Following a freeze on funding, Cambodian demining teams have begun to pause their activities, a move characterized by local officials as critical. The freeze was communicated to grantees on January 26 by the State Department, which has historically funded landmine clearance and unexploded ordnance removal.
The State Department has indicated that all assistance programs are under review aiming to align with U.S. interests, including demining grants. This has raised alarms as U.S. support accounts for approximately 30% of Cambodia’s demining efforts, crucial for addressing the aftermath of the Cambodian civil war and U.S. bombings during the Vietnam War. According to Bill Morse, chairman of the Cambodian Self-Help Demining, the nation could require a century to clear all unexploded ordnance, with lethal consequences in the interim.
Moreover, Heng Ratana, director of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), noted that funding from countries like China and Japan continues while U.S. support dwindles. CMAC estimates that Cambodia is burdened with between four to six million landmines, underscoring the urgency for continued assistance, as thousands have been harmed or killed by explosives over the years. Non-governmental organizations are actively seeking alternate funding sources to maintain their operations amid uncertainty.
U.S.-funded demining activities have become a symbolic representation of American commitment to Cambodia, with visible displays of U.S. support in the field. Morse emphasized that demining efforts are often the only interaction many locals have with Americans, as they have yet to meet a diplomatic envoy. As funding gaps widen, China is stepping in as a competitor for influence, having recently pledged $4.4 million for Cambodian demining efforts.
In a recent hearing, lawmakers from both parties expressed significant concern over the implications of reduced U.S. foreign assistance, fearing it could lead to an increased Chinese presence in international aid and development. Representative Ami Bera articulated his apprehensions regarding U.S. diminishing influence in the Pacific, suggesting that without U.S. aid, countries would inevitably look to China for assistance. The urgent necessity of reestablishing effective U.S. aid programs was echoed throughout the discussion.
Calls for the resumption of financial support for demining have garnered attention from former ambassadors, who assert that U.S. aid in such areas is crucial for national security and fostering positive international relations. The State Department has committed to conducting a thorough and transparent review to ensure future programs align with U.S. national interests. A stark warning has been issued regarding the consequences of inaction, with assertions that lives will be endangered as landmine removal efforts cease, demonstrating the critical link between demining efforts and broader development strategies.
The ongoing suspension of U.S. foreign aid, particularly for Cambodia’s demining programs, has raised alarms among lawmakers, who fear that China’s influence will expand significantly in areas where the U.S. withdraws support. With local operations halting and a crucial need for funding evident, the urgency for reestablishing U.S. support becomes increasingly apparent. The implications of this funding freeze could result in dire consequences for safety and stability, underscoring the strategic importance of continued U.S. involvement in international development.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
