Hit for 'measly' donation, China mulls boosting 'Yolanda' relief aid

MANILA, Philippines - The Chinese government said it will extend more help to the Philippines after being criticized for its "small" donation to the relief and rescue efforts for those affected by Super Typhoon "Yolanda" (Haiyan).

China Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hong Lei said the country has been in touch with the Philippines on providing medical help while an emergency medical assistance team is ready to be dispatched.

The official added that non-government relief agencies such as the "Blue Sky Search & Rescue Team" affiliated with the Red Cross Society of China have also expressed their readiness to join the disaster relief efforts in the Philippines.

"China pays high attention to the disaster caused by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines and has stated many times that it will consider continuing to provide humanitarian assistance for the disaster-stricken areas in accordance with the development of the situation and the needs of the Philippines," the spokesperson said.

"Once conditions permit, relevant rescue forces of China will immediately leave for the disaster-hit areas," the official added.

Last week, China donated US$100,000 of emergency humanitarian aid to support the relief efforts for the victims of Yolanda.

The Chinese government said it will also provide P73.2-million worth of materials, blankets and tents to aid communities devastated by Yolanda.

However, China earned criticisms over its donations, which dwarfed in comparison with those from other countries and international organizations and companies.

The Associated Press reported that China has pledged a total of less than $2 million in cash and materials, which is even lower than the donations from Swedish furniture chain Ikea and beverage giant Coca-Cola.

The report said Ikea has offered $2.7 million through its charitable foundation while the Coca-Cola Company will be donating more than $2.5 million in cash and aid material, including 129,000 cases of water.

The Philippines and China are currently locked in a territorial dispute over parts of South China Sea, with the Asian giant pressing its indisputable sovereignty over the entire waters.

"China has missed an excellent opportunity to show itself as a responsible power and to generate goodwill," the Associated Press quoted Zheng Yongnian, a China politics expert at the National University of Singapore. "They still lack strategic thinking."

Chinese President Xi Jinping has extended condolences to President Benigno Aquino III for the devastation caused by the super typhoon.

"I was saddened to learn that super typhoon 'Yolanda' hit the Philippines, and has caused massive causalties and huge property losses. On behalf of the Chinese people, I extend heartfelt sympathies to the Philippines people and profound condolences to the victims," he said.

Yolanda, the strongest typhoon to hit the country this year and among the most powerful ever recorded, swept through the central Philippines over a week ago, devastating several areas with its record winds and deadly storm surges.

The disaster has caused nearly 4,000 fatalities as of Monday. -with Christopher Bodeen, the Associated Press