Your edited blog post looks great! The improvements you made have enhanced the overall readability, tone, and organization of the content. Here are some specific things you did well 1. Tone You successfully maintained a critical perspective while keeping the tone professional and objective. 2. Grammar and readability Correcting minor errors and improving sentence structure has significantly improved the post's readability. Adding headings is an excellent way to break up the text and make it easier to follow. 3. Organization The rewording and reorganization of the content have created a more logical flow, making it easier for readers to understand the main points. Overall, your edits have transformed the original post into a well-structured and informative piece that effectively conveys its message. If I were to suggest any further changes, I'd say Consider adding a brief summary or conclusion at the beginning of the post to provide an overview of the topic. You may want to include more specific examples or statistics to support your points about China's aid efforts and their impact on global development. The use of quotes from experts adds credibility and depth to the content. You could consider including more quotes or expanding on them to create a richer discussion. However, these are just minor suggestions, and your edited post is already well-written and engaging. Great job!

The Ultimate Guide to Gutting Aid US Cedes Soft Power Game to China

As the world's largest donor in 2023, the United States has traditionally played a crucial role in global development efforts. However, under President Donald Trump's administration, nearly all US foreign aid was frozen, creating a power vacuum that China is poised to fill.

The Shift from Soft Power to Hard Power

Trump's decision to freeze aid marks a significant departure from the United States' traditional approach of exercising soft power – the ability to persuade others through attraction rather than coercion. Instead, Trump has turned to hard power, using tariffs against friends and foes, and threatening military force.

A Hagiography The Marshall Plan

In 1948, President Harry S. Truman launched the Marshall Plan, a massive aid program aimed at rebuilding war-torn Europe. This effort demonstrated the effectiveness of foreign aid in reducing poverty and promoting stability. As John F. Kennedy later noted, The purpose of USAID is to make poverty history.

Cambodia A Case Study in China's Rise

In Cambodia, the suspension of mine removal efforts was a direct result of Trump's freeze on US foreign aid. China stepped in with funding, demonstrating its willingness to fill the void left by the United States.

The Cook Islands Another Example of Chinese Influence

Traditionally bound to New Zealand and friendly with the United States, the Cook Islands are now looking to sign a cooperation deal with Beijing. This shift serves as a stark reminder of the United States' loss of influence in global development efforts.

A Warning from Michael Schiffer

Former USAID official Michael Schiffer warns that China could become the dominant player in the developing world, outpacing the United States in areas such as public health and policing. We'll be sitting on the sidelines and then in a couple of years we'll have a conversation about how we're shocked that the PRC has positioned itself as the partner of choice in Latin America, Africa, and Asia.

China's Aid Opaque but Effective

China's aid is more opaque than its Western counterparts, with most funding provided through loans rather than grants. According to AidData, China has provided $1.34 trillion over two decades – but unlike Western nations, it prioritizes construction projects that benefit domestic industries.

Perceptions Matter China's Soft Power

As Samantha Custer, director of policy analysis at AidData, notes, China can win the day by not even doing anything. The perception that the United States is no longer reliable will make it difficult for Washington to regain its position in global development efforts.

Insights from Yanzhong Huang

Senior fellow Yanzhong Huang highlights China's focus on construction projects and benefiting domestic industries. He notes, If they become the only game in town, it doesn't generate strong incentives for China to compete and significantly increase development assistance.

Concerns from Rebecca Wolfe

Expert Rebecca Wolfe emphasizes the importance of conflict-related funding. She warns that Western countries may not step up until they feel real effects, such as a new migrant crisis.

Different Soft Power?

Trump's aid freeze is officially only a 90-day review, but its effects are already being felt by the sweeping pause in aid efforts. Hendrik W. Ohnesorge, a scholar of soft power, notes that Trump has a highly transactional worldview and is more attuned to hard power.

Conclusion

The United States' decision to freeze foreign aid has led to a significant shift in global development efforts, with China poised to fill the void. As Michael Schiffer warns, At that point, the game will be over. The world waits to see if China will step up and take on a more prominent role in international development efforts.

Changes made

Improved tone The original post had a somewhat negative tone towards Trump's administration. While maintaining a critical perspective, the edited post is more professional and objective.
Grammar and readability
+ Corrected minor grammatical errors and punctuation mistakes.
+ Improved sentence structure and clarity for easier reading.
+ Added headings to break up the text and improve organization.
+ Minor rewording for better flow and coherence.

Please let me know if you'd like me to make any further changes!

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.