In the wake of a powerful earthquake in Myanmar, China has taken the lead in providing international aid. Its rescue teams and humanitarian supplies have arrived quickly, making it the most visible foreign responder. Meanwhile, the United States—once a leader in global disaster relief—has remained largely absent. This shift comes as President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio continue dismantling the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), a move that has left many nations without the assistance they once relied on.

U.S. Fails to Respond Amid USAID Shutdown

As Myanmar struggles to recover from the earthquake, Washington’s response has been almost nonexistent. In contrast, China has sent emergency crews, medical teams, and large shipments of food and water. The U.S. government, despite public statements that aid is available, has not taken meaningful action.

This lack of response is a direct result of cuts to USAID. On the same day the earthquake struck, the State Department informed Congress that nearly all remaining USAID positions would be eliminated. By September, only about 15 employees will remain—down from a peak of 10,000. Most of its global operations are being shut down, with remaining duties transferred to the State Department. A recent court ruling has allowed the administration to move forward with even deeper cuts.

Aid Promises Not Matched by Action

Although Washington has made vague assurances that help is still available, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Many contracts for logistics, medical shipments, and emergency transport have been canceled. Humanitarian organizations that relied on U.S. funding have seen their financial assistance frozen.

Jeremy Konyndyk, a former USAID official and current head of Refugees International, called the shift a “complete retreat from decades of U.S. global leadership.” He explained that the U.S. no longer has a functioning team ready to respond in crises like this. “In previous years, USAID would have had emergency response teams on the ground within hours,” he said. “Now, the agency barely exists.”

Health and Humanitarian Aid Collapsing

The consequences of these cuts go beyond disaster response. Last year, USAID provided around $240 million in aid to Myanmar, making up about one-third of the international assistance the country received. Since Trump took office, that funding has been slashed. Only three of 18 major programs remain active.

These cuts have had devastating effects. At least seven hospitals in Myanmar have shut down due to a lack of funds. A refugee camp in Thailand, which houses more than 30,000 people, no longer has a doctor. Medical programs that once provided treatment for diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis have stopped operating.

UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews has condemned the U.S. decision to withdraw support. “This is cruel and unnecessary,” he said. “Thousands of people who depend on this aid are now left without basic medical care.”

The earthquake has made an already dire situation even worse. With hospitals and clinics already closed, many injured people have nowhere to go for treatment. Aid workers on the ground say they are overwhelmed and have little hope of receiving U.S. assistance.

China Steps In as U.S. Withdraws

While the U.S. scales back, China is stepping up. Beijing’s rapid response is not just about proximity—it reflects a broader strategy to expand its influence in the region. With U.S. aid systems dismantled, China is filling the void.

Chinese state media has highlighted its humanitarian response, showcasing teams of doctors, search-and-rescue workers, and large shipments of supplies. In contrast, the absence of American aid has raised questions about the U.S. role in the region.

For many communities in crisis, this shift is already having real consequences. “We don’t have the luxury of waiting for the U.S. to rebuild its aid programs,” said a Myanmar-based relief worker. “China is here. They are helping. That’s what matters.”

A Long-Term Shift in Global Aid?

The cuts to USAID are not just about Myanmar—they represent a broader change in how the U.S. engages with the world. The agency has been a key player in international development for decades, funding projects in health, education, and disaster relief. Its sudden dismantling leaves a gap that many countries will struggle to fill.

Experts warn that this retreat could weaken America’s influence in global affairs. “Humanitarian aid has always been a major tool of U.S. diplomacy,” said Konyndyk. “When we step back, others step in. And right now, that’s China.”

As Washington moves forward with its cuts, the world is watching to see what the long-term effects will be. For Myanmar, the immediate impact is clear—without USAID, the country’s recovery from disaster will be much harder.