The Independent Commission for Aid Impact found that engagement with Beijing across Government has dropped to an estimated £8.2 million.
UK aid to China has fallen by 90% since 2019 – but transparency about how the money is spent is declining, a watchdog has warned.
Transparency has further reduced this year with the decision to stop routinely publishing official development assistance -eligible administration costs on a country-by-country basis, the ICAI said. The UK has been re-evaluating its relationship with China as the country takes an increasingly assertive stance globally.
“As China will soon be ineligible to receive aid, it’s important that the Government ensures there is a proper strategy in place for the transition if dialogue with the country on issues of global importance such as climate change is to continue.” The separately managed Chevening Scholarship Programme, which supports international students who want to study in British universities, spent an estimated £1.24 million in 2023-24 on scholarships for people from China.