China pledged $30.5 billion in development financing to the Philippines from 2015 to 2023—more than it promised to any other Southeast Asian country—but delivered only $700 million, making the Philippines among the region’s lowest recipients of actual Chinese aid. 

A report by the Lowy Institute revealed that many big-ticket infrastructure projects, such as the Mindanao Railway and Panay-Guimaras-Negros Bridge, were either dropped or redirected due to delays or waning interest from China. 

In contrast, only a few projects like the Chico River Pump Irrigation and a military equipment grant pushed through. 

The study noted that the Philippines, like Vietnam, adopts a cautious approach to Chinese financing, relying more heavily on institutions like the Asian Development Bank, World Bank, and Japan. 

With Western countries slashing foreign aid budgets, the report warns that Southeast Asia may increasingly turn to Beijing, Tokyo, and Seoul for development funding.

Source: PhilNews24 | July 22, 2025