China’s initial offer of US$100,000 to help in the devastating aftermath of typhoon Haiyan that wrecked provinces in the Philippines is slammed by critics as stingy, cheap, and measly.

According to a UN report more than 11 million people which represents nearly 10% of the population has been affected by the super storm.

Moreover, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction And Management Council (NDRRMC) have reported the following:

11.5 million people affected

2.5 million people in need of food

544,606 people displaced

130,074 houses totally destroyed

1,215 evacuation centers set up

2,357 people confirmed dead

3,853 people injured

The Philippines has been locked in territorial disputes with China in what is considered to be China’s overreach in its territorial claims in the South China Sea. Last year, President Benigno Aquino signed an order asking the United Nations to rename an area of the South China Sea the West Philippines Sea.

Following harsh criticism, the world’s second-largest economy and emerging super power China has increased its aid to US$1.6 million which is still a far cry from the contributions of other countries that have donated thus:

US $20 million

UK $50 million

Japan $10 million

Australia $28 million

European Union $16 million

South Korea $4 million

Vatican $2 million

Davy Desmond, Readers Bureau, Senior Fellow