Why give it away when you need it yourself? Understanding public support for foreign aid in China

Authors

Zhiming Cheng, University of WollongongFollow
Russell Smyth, Monash University

RIS ID

104507

Publication Details

Cheng, Z. & Smyth, R. (2016). Why give it away when you need it yourself? Understanding public support for foreign aid in China. Journal of Development Studies, 52 (1), 53-71.

Abstract

In this study we examine the determinants of public support for foreign aid in China. We find that while political ideology and sense of national identity are the most important determinants of support for foreign aid, several demographic characteristics, such as age, gender and income, are also important. We also find that those living in the lower income western provinces and in provinces with higher poverty rates express less support for giving foreign aid. We draw policy implications from the findings for better targeting engagement strategies designed to garner support for foreign aid.