The UK’s aid engagement with China
An information note providing a factual account of how UK aid has been spent by government departments supporting China’s own development, partnering with China on global development challenges, and working with third countries on their engagement with China.
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- Published: 21 Mar 2024
This update finds that bilateral aid to China has fallen by up to 90%, from around £80 million in 2019 to approximately £8 million in 2023-24, with an expectation that this level will remain as long as China is eligible to receive aid.
Both the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) – mostly through the British Council – and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) continue to spend aid there on themes including education, the English language, arts and culture, and the protection of forests.
ICAI warns that transparency of UK aid to China is insufficient – particularly regarding “administration costs” – and that there is not enough transition planning for China’s expected graduation from aid eligibility.