State media defend China's meagre aid for Philippine typhoon victims
Territorial tensions and US motives in region cited among the justifications for China's meagre aid for storm-hit Philippines
Beijing's initial US$200,000 donation to the typhoon-ravaged Philippines fell far short of both China's economic clout and its ambitions to be a major world player.
Some in the international media saw the meagre donation as a needless slight to a suffering rival - even if Manila has been sparring with Beijing over the sovereignty of the Scarborough Shoal. Typhoon Haiyan killed more than 3,600 Filipinos.
Critics questioned whether China was ready to share the world stage with players such as Australia, Japan and the United States, which pledged US$28 million, US$10 million and US$20 million, respectively.
The US, which has been rebuilding its military ties with the Philippines amid regional territorial disputes, sent an aircraft carrier group to aid in relief efforts.
Faced with the obvious discrepancy in aid, most of the state-controlled Chinese media sprung to the administration's defence. Outlets argued that China's contribution, which included US$100,000 from the Red Cross Society of China, was sufficient in light of the current diplomatic tensions and its ability to divert resources overseas while coping with big problems at home.
"Any donation should be in line with public sentiment in the donor's country as well as its capacity [to donate], and the US$100,000 to the Philippines is a reflection of both," the said. Its editorial said Beijing often showed too much generosity abroad to impress the international community. Many in China might object if Beijing showered aid on Manila.
The cited the ongoing territorial dispute between Beijing and Manila, as well as the Philippines' refusal to provide a satisfactory level of compensation to the families of eight Hong Kong tourists killed during hostage-taking on a tour bus in Manila three years ago.
