China Leads Myanmar Quake Response as US Lags Behind

[geovalin]

Xinhua

 

As Myanmar reels from a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that has killed over 2,000 people, China has stepped in with rapid humanitarian aid, while the United States has been slower to respond amid cuts to its foreign aid agency.

 

Beijing deployed more than 400 personnel to the disaster zone within 18 hours of the quake, providing $14 million in relief supplies and sending multiple rescue teams to Myanmar and neighbouring Thailand. Meanwhile, Washington announced a $2 million aid package on Monday, with a small USAID response team preparing to assess the damage—but as of Monday morning, they had yet to enter the country.

 

The delay highlights the impact of President Donald Trump’s efforts to dismantle USAID, which has seen mass layoffs, funding cuts to 80% of its programmes, and the closure of its headquarters. On Friday, the State Department confirmed it was officially taking over many of USAID’s functions, a move that critics argue has slowed the U.S. disaster response.

 

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce defended the U.S. approach, stating, “I would reject the notion this is obviously a result of the USAID cuts… We’re certainly in the region.” Officials also said discussions were ongoing about potentially deploying a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), though it would likely be smaller than in past missions.

 

China has wasted no time in using its response to bolster its image as a reliable regional partner. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning posted images of rescue workers on X, describing Beijing as “a friend in need.” The swift response has won Beijing international praise, with multiple teams working on the ground, particularly in Myanmar and Thailand.

 

At the site of a collapsed 34-storey building in Bangkok, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command personnel have been assisting Thai and Israeli teams, using drones to locate survivors. Local volunteers, such as translator Choktong Issarangkool, acknowledged the American contributions but noted that China’s response had been significantly faster.

 

The Myanmar disaster has placed Washington’s global leadership in crisis relief under scrutiny. While the U.S. has historically been among the first to respond to humanitarian emergencies, recent government shake-ups appear to have hindered its ability to react quickly.

 

With thousands still missing and aid efforts hampered by Myanmar’s ongoing civil war, the need for swift and effective international assistance has never been greater. Whether Washington can reassert itself in global disaster relief—or whether Beijing will continue to fill the void—remains an open question.

 

 

-2025-04-01

[steven100]

no surprises here ....  it's as expected.    

[flyingtlger]

As ALWAYS China will EXPECT something in return.....

 

[Pouatchee]

2 minutes ago, steven100 said:

no surprises here ....  it's as expected.    

 

maybe, just maybe the us don't want to spend money helping a junta run government that is shooting its rebels at an opportune time for them... rather than unite these junta guys are taking advantage of a dire situation. China... well they don't care about human rights. I for one think the us is doing the right thing until some kind of truce is upheld

[steven100]

Just now, Pouatchee said:

 

maybe, just maybe the us don't want to spend money helping a junta run government that is shooting its rebels at an opportune time for them... rather than unite these junta guys are taking advantage of a dire situation. China... well they don't care about human rights. I for one think the us is doing the right thing until some kind of truce is upheld

 

Your thinking lacks common sense.   So the injured, dead and maimed survivors have to suffer because the US is not willing to help a country run by the military.  

 

 

[frank83628]

Sorry, but is there a race to be the first to the scene?

Why the need to mention the US & USAID unless this is  just another Trump bashing thread. Where is the UK, France,  or any of the other countries ?

China are building gas pipelines across the country, they should be quick to show willing to help don't you think.

[frank83628]

9 minutes ago, steven100 said:

no surprises here ....  it's as expected.    

What was expected?

[steven100]

Just now, frank83628 said:

What was expected?

US lagging behind USAID .....  actually,  Trump eliminated the USAID so in effect there isn't one.  Lol 

[steven100]

China and Russia are the two biggest humanitarian aid support for Myanmar. 

Also, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, New Zealand & Australia,  South Korea, Indonesia and a few other small countries.  

[frank83628]

8 minutes ago, steven100 said:

US lagging behind USAID .....  actually,  Trump eliminated the USAID so in effect there isn't one.  Lol 

And did you care about who gave aid until January 20th 2025..no, I guarantee you didnt give a flying f.

Its all trumps fault, whaa whaa whaa

[soi3eddie]

24 minutes ago, geovalin said:

a small USAID response team preparing to assess the damage—but as of Monday morning, they had yet to enter the country.

 

So sad for the Burmese people. Thoughts and prayers with them. I hope they get whatever assistance they need.

 

Could be a few reasons that USA have not been seen to be involved in immediate assistance in Myanmar:

1) China and Myanmar (Burma) are next door to each other with a common border so proximaty and access are a big factor. USA is far away.

2) China and Myanmar (Burma) have close relations diplomatically and tradewise 

3) USA has sanctions againt the Myanmar (Burma) ruling junta - that will not ease any aid access by Americans

The OP seems like another easy attack on USA. 

 

[steven100]

anyway,  the US will gain access eventually I guess,    lets hope they can support the poor beggars who have suffered so much

[KireB]

53 minutes ago, flyingtlger said:

As ALWAYS China will EXPECT something in return.....

 

The US as well, maybe even worse at the moment. Myanmar has plenty of raw materials and minerals to steal.

[scorecard]

1 hour ago, flyingtlger said:

As ALWAYS China will EXPECT something in return.....

 

Any link on that?

[Serenity_Now]

59 minutes ago, flyingtlger said:

As ALWAYS China will EXPECT something in return.....

NO THEY WILL NOT FFS

 

Lets just be thankful for any AID getting there the news stories took so long to get out because of Myanmars current political situation
The Junta are Abhorent even bombing in the aftermath sick M****f*****s
Any nation not doing their utmost to send aid should be ashamed

China is on their doorstep so good on them. Japan is sending relief too a photo shows that the firebrigade needs to rethink their parking as parking underneath the structure has trapped all their vehicles.

This is not about politics this is people trapped suffering and if Donald has not sent any aid SHAME on USA 
THey can trigger the war machine logistics to deliver anywhere in hours/days so no excuse except probably not knowing where Myanmar is 

I hope that fake town bit the dust Shwe Kokko,
SHWE KOKKO

 

[Serenity_Now]

The torment and grief in this photo is palpable

[steven100]

6 minutes ago, Serenity_Now said:

The torment and grief in this photo is palpable

very very sad and distressing that's for sure.  

[frank83628]

31 minutes ago, KireB said:

The US as well, maybe even worse at the moment. Myanmar has plenty of raw materials and minerals to steal.

China are already in there for that, gas pipelines under construction. 

[sqwakvfr]

Does anyone think the Myanmmar government wants US rescue workers flooding int? 

[spidermike007]

I said this a couple years ago when Trump announced his candidacy, as I could already see that due to his spectacularly stingy heart and his extreme lack of vision, that he would cut down worldwide charity, especially for those with the greatest needs.

 

My greatest fears have come true as we've seen recently. For the last 80 years when a major natural disaster happens around the world the US was typically the first country to have boots on the ground and money to contribute towards aid. This gave the US a tremendous amount of prestige and worldwide respect. Trump and Musk (perhaps two of the stingiest and least charitable men in the history of mankind based on their net worth) have dismantled that like a bull in a China closet, without any vision whatsoever, and in the process they have diminished US standing around the world and forever tainted its image.

 

Not only that, but the nitwits have created an absolutely grand opportunity for China to step in as a moral authority, but Trump's IQ does not permit him to see such things and the tragedy continues, unabated.

 

 

[Serenity_Now]

16 minutes ago, sqwakvfr said:

Does anyone think the Myanmmar government wants US rescue workers flooding int? 

The Junta gave an open invitation to all who can help regardless DO NOT FOUL THIS WITH POLITICAL DIATRIBE

These people suffer tremendously
Like Laotatians most are poor and geniunely kind and warm not like your Jaded money grabbing Phiket Pattaya Thai.

Do yourself a favor 

9 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

Not only that, but the nitwits have created an absolutely grand opportunity for China to step in as a moral authority, but Trump's IQ does not permit him to see such things and the tragedy continues, unabated.

You know you guys are the only ones thinking about pont scoring here 
i will guess not a single Leader of any nation is thinking about point scoring maybe Trump in his rain man way would make such a statement if there were USA relief but really only a moron would step up to the plate and claim that 
y'all need to seriously consider your political philosphies
Everything written on this thread thus far is ignorance and shameful

[sqwakvfr]

29 minutes ago, Serenity_Now said:

The Junta gave an open invitation to all who can help regardless DO NOT FOUL THIS WITH POLITICAL DIATRIBE

These people suffer tremendously
Like Laotatians most are poor and geniunely kind and warm not like your Jaded money grabbing Phiket Pattaya Thai.

Do yourself a favor 

You know you guys are the only ones thinking about pont scoring here 
i will guess not a single Leader of any nation is thinking about point scoring maybe Trump in his rain man way would make such a statement if there were USA relief but really only a moron would step up to the plate and claim that 
y'all need to seriously consider your political philosphies
Everything written on this thread thus far is ignorance and shameful

Then why are they still conducting bombing operations?  Their allies are China and Russia and any other countiy that does not criticize them.  This is fact and not "diatribe".  Why would I do myself a favor based upon what you said?  Even in this tme of desperate need the government of Myanmmar says one thing in public but will do the opposite.  Do you really think a US Air Force C-17 will be landing in Napiyadaw anytime soon?  The US Military has a history and tradition of going anywhere in the world that needs emergency aid as long as the host country lets them in. The US Military has significant assets in Japan and S. Korea and can mobilize quickly because this is part of their global response mission.  However they will not enter Burmese airspace unless they are assured of safe entry and exit.  This is just common sense.  This type of assurances might take time to negotiate. China and Russia do not have to be concerned about these things. 

[Patong2021]

1 hour ago, KireB said:

The US as well, maybe even worse at the moment. Myanmar has plenty of raw materials and minerals to steal.

 

India  and China have been clawing at each each other over access for the past 25 years. China has the advantage and as a result has its own logistics network that delivers the  timber, oil & gas and other valuable assets.

2 hours ago, steven100 said:

 

Your thinking lacks common sense.   So the injured, dead and maimed survivors have to suffer because the US is not willing to help a country run by the military.  

 

Myanmar has not requested US personnel or rescue resources. Myanmar's military is asking for "money", and we all know that it will not go to the victims of the.  earthquake.

 

What exactly did you expect the USA to do and why is it the USA's obligation? It is rather arrogant to demand that the USA send resources to a nation that;

1. Is a war zone and where US  personnel would be at risk,

2. Is a sanctioned nation and that is hostile to the USA,

3. Is a nation where the USA has withdrawn  from and does not wish to engage.

4. That China says is in its realm of influence and where the USA is not welcome.

 

The USA has its own catastrophe recovery problems. You seem unaware that California was devastated by wildfires, and that parts of North Carolina wiped off the map by hurricane. Tornados are wreaking havoc across the country at this time. Why not direct your demands to India, the EU and deadbeat member nations like Spain, Belgium, Ireland, Portugal and Italy who talk alot and lecture others but do little. Europeans can fundraise in conjunction with the UK professional protestors and volunteer to save the Myanmar people.

 

China is best positioned to help because of its large logistics network already in place. Much of the demolished structures were Chinese  built or used Chinese components so let the Chinese clean it up.

[Serenity_Now]

 

25 minutes ago, Patong2021 said:

 

Myanmar has not requested US personnel or rescue resources. Myanmar's military is asking for "money", and we all know that it will not go to the victims of the.  earthquake.

 

What exactly did you expect the USA to do and why is it the USA's obligation? It is rather arrogant to demand that the USA send resources to a nation that;

1. Is a war zone and where US  personnel would be at risk,

2. Is a sanctioned nation and that is hostile to the USA,

3. Is a nation where the USA has withdrawn  from and does not wish to engage.

4. That China says is in its realm of influence and where the USA is not welcome.

 

Brain dead mate your everything that is foul in this world toxic views of superiority

 

ASEAN FORUM gets name check

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-29/myanmar-issues-rare-call-for-international-help-after-earthquake/105111720
US, India and more offer help

US President Donald Trump said on Friday, local time, that he had spoken with officials in Myanmar and that his administration would be providing some form of assistance.

"We're going to be helping," he told reporters at the White House.

[spidermike007]

1 hour ago, Serenity_Now said:

The Junta gave an open invitation to all who can help regardless DO NOT FOUL THIS WITH POLITICAL DIATRIBE

These people suffer tremendously
Like Laotatians most are poor and geniunely kind and warm not like your Jaded money grabbing Phiket Pattaya Thai.

Do yourself a favor 

You know you guys are the only ones thinking about pont scoring here 
i will guess not a single Leader of any nation is thinking about point scoring maybe Trump in his rain man way would make such a statement if there were USA relief but really only a moron would step up to the plate and claim that 
y'all need to seriously consider your political philosphies
Everything written on this thread thus far is ignorance and shameful

If you feel that strongly could you please provide some evidence of government sponsored US support for the earthquake victims in Burma? I'll bet you can't. And that is the 

true abomination. It is like they the only us support is coming from private organizations and private money, and not the spectacularly stingy and ridiculously poor and blackhearted leader of the US currently has. 

 

Trump supporters often interpret criticism as being hatred toward Trump, but sometimes it's just truth, though many of his support oftentimes have a hard time recognizing such. 

[Patong2021]

30 minutes ago, Serenity_Now said:

 

 

Brain dead mate your everything that is foul in this world toxic views of superiority

 

ASEAN FORUM gets name check

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-29/myanmar-issues-rare-call-for-international-help-after-earthquake/105111720
US, India and more offer help

US President Donald Trump said on Friday, local time, that he had spoken with officials in Myanmar and that his administration would be providing some form of assistance.

"We're going to be helping," he told reporters at the White House.

 

What superiority? Not my fault if you have the reading comprehension of an intellectualy stunted  person. Have you looked at what aid was provided and where it was sent? Wonderful that you put up a media release, but it means NOTHING. 

 

India has mining and timber interests in parts of the country. It has sent its rescue personnel to ostensibly search for Indians. There are  an estimated 1000+ Indian nationals in need of assistance in the  worst stricken areas. Although there are several million ethnic Indians in Myanmar, India's firsrt duty is to rescue its nationals. India has now said it will send more aid. It has already sent the surplus tents  and emergency medical supplies.

 

The United States pledged $2 million in aid "through Myanmar-based humanitarian assistance organizations". It said in a statement that an emergency response team from USAID, which is undergoing massive cuts under the Trump administration, is being sent to Myanmar. The catch is that there is no USAID team. There are some administrative personnel from the State department going to assess damage to US  assets

 

Now tell me how I am wrong and evil. Myanmar asked for money. The US personnel being deployed are there to assess US  exposures and to help with US interests, The US pledged a small amount of money that is most likely already in the pipeline for other regional projects and will just be reallocated. Nothing new in that regard as governments  continually announce funding using  money already pledged.

 

The only brain dead individual is the one who insults others and makes assumptions based upon a media release story, without checking the actual details.  You do not know how many personnel are being deployed from the USA. Is it 10? or 5? or something else and are they being taken from the personnel already in Thailand? 

 

It is China that is carrying the full burden of aid, but the UK has contributed just as much in funding as China. China is deploying its existing  resources. Not my fault if you are clueless to the presence of the extensive Chinese financed  and supported logistics network in Myanmar.

 

Careful riding your big stick horse. if you fall off, your allusions and delusions will be shattered and you will be unable to shake your fist in anger at the world passing you by.

 

[Serenity_Now]

Many first responders put their lifes on the line every day without regard to assurances 
those who respond to earth quakes

tunnel divers 

 

they seek no assurance 

i dnt have a big stick or a horse just common sense and decency sadly lacking at times especially when death is concerned.

I would not call myself a trump supporter either so where does that leave us and I do not believe I actively said anything to make you believe such
 

14 minutes ago, Patong2021 said:

What superiority? Not my fault if you have the reading comprehension of an intellectualy stunted  person. Have you looked at what aid was provided and where it was sent? Wonderful that you put up a media release, but it means NOTHING. 

is RUETERS good enough for you r is it to an intellectually challenged and stunted  
see i just said your views had a toxicity of the war machine 
these are front line responders
nurses doctors firemen policemen they seek no guarantee of safety just a desire too help those in need

22 minutes ago, Patong2021 said:

assess US  exposures and to help with US interests,

you quoted india and chinas mining concerns
now you quote USA interests
this is human lives you moneytize it all you wish 

there is room for growth in all especially those who deem to live in under the philosphy of a buddhist nation

[Serenity_Now]

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/state-department-notified-congress-intent-reorganize-usaid-rubio-says-2025-03-28/

[Patong2021]

17 minutes ago, Serenity_Now said:

Many first responders put their lifes on the line every day without regard to assurances 
those who respond to earth quakes

tunnel divers 

 

they seek no assurance 

i dnt have a big stick or a horse just common sense and decency sadly lacking at times especially when death is concerned.

I would not call myself a trump supporter either so where does that leave us and I do not believe I actively said anything to make you believe such
 

is RUETERS good enough for you r is it to an intellectually challenged and stunted  
see i just said your views had a toxicity of the war machine 
these are front line responders
nurses doctors firemen policemen they seek no guarantee of safety just a desire too help those in need

you quoted india and chinas mining concerns
now you quote USA interests
this is human lives you moneytize it all you wish 

there is room for growth in all especially those who deem to live in under the philosphy of a buddhist nation

 

You have given a massive word dump, none of which is coherent or offers anything not already known and stated. You are spitting out  references to first responders, doctors in an excited state, but they have nothing to do with this. 

 

Yes, I mentioned India and the USA. What exactly is inaccurate and does not  line up with what Reuters has mentioned? The fact that I point out that India has 1000+ nationals in the high impact  zone and financial interestss is relevant. India doesn't do anything unless it is to its benefit. That is the reality of Indian foreign policy. India is looking to rescue its people. What is so unusual about that? 

 

 

17 minutes ago, Serenity_Now said:

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/state-department-notified-congress-intent-reorganize-usaid-rubio-says-2025-03-28/

 

What's your point? Are you clueless, so intent on lecturing people on morality that you are blind? There is no USAID. It is gone. Disbursed. Furloughed. 

How many people are being deployed from USAID to Myanmar? You want to  push the claim. Fine. Now tell us how many people are going. You haven't a clue.  There is nothing a small number of rescue personnel can do now. We are past the golden hours. 3 days and its over for those trapped in a fallen building. There may be some survivors and the locals will get to them, maybe. The harsh reality of an earthquake with mass casualties  is that you usually die if not found within 72 hours. It would take days if not a week to bring in the quipment from the USA needed. It has to be sourced and transported. That is too late. China is best placed to do this. It has the existing logisitics in place. Not my problem if you are unaware of the Chinese presence in Myanmar.

 

 

I made clear, that the US already has state department crisis/catastrophe people deployed in Thailand and that it is likely that they will be redeployed to Myanmar. It  is logical  because they are already in the region and the only way to get to general personnel to  Myanmar is via Yangon, and you fly to Yangon via Bangkok. 

 

A pledge is not a disbursement. It is a statement of intent of  doing something at a later time and date. The USA provided a pledge, not a disbursement. Ever heard of a dictionary? Use it.

 

[Serenity_Now]

7 minutes ago, Patong2021 said:

What's your point? Are you clueless, so intent on lecturing people on morality that you are blind? There is no USAID. It is gone. Disbursed. Furloughed. 

How many people are being deployed from USAID to Myanmar? You want to  push the claim. Fine. Now tell us how many people are going. You haven't a clue.  There is nothing a small number of rescue personnel can do now. We are past the golden hours. 3 days and its over for those trapped in a fallen building. There may be some survivors and the locals will get to them, maybe. The harsh reality of an earthquake with mass casualties  is that you usually die if not found within 72 hours. It would take days if not a week to bring in the quipment from the USA needed. It has to be sourced and transported. That is too late. China is best placed to do this. It has the existing logisitics in place. Not my problem if you are unaware of the Chinese presence in Myanmar.

 

 

I made clear, that the US already has state department crisis/catastrophe people deployed in Thailand and that it is likely that they will be redeployed to Myanmar. It  is logical  because they are already in the region and the only way to get to general personnel to  Myanmar is via Yangon, and you fly to Yangon via Bangkok. 

 

itt appears your a highly exitable person.

So there is no USAID no more
you should write for Rueters really your that knowledgeble about the ways of the USA 
state departments.
 

UNITED STATES

The United States pledged $2 million in aid "through Myanmar-based humanitarian assistance organizations". It said in a statement that an emergency response team from USAID, which is undergoing massive cuts under the Trump administration, is being sent to Myanmar.

Yes, the state Dept is closing it down but by law must retain 15 individuals through the process.
BUT CLEARLY NOT AS YOU INTERPRET
Im so glad you feel that i am intellectually challenged its always the first mistake the superiority
I always question my thoughts and intellect as one should if not we become obnoxious and toxic to the majority 
I am so very happy that I am toxic to your viewpoints.
Yes, USAID and UK aid abroad was misguided in some areas but there is a reason why documents began to be shredded AID is also a 'soft power' influencer and lives could have been put at risk because aid pacakages were also linked to groups who'se views lay with USA rather than the government they reside under.
That soft power is in operation to shift view points 
So funding projects more aligned with a western philosphy 
but your right IM just a stupid singulairy in a vast  universe of intellectual giants, my view points irrelevant but seemingly enough to get your gander 😄
USAID will offically be shuttered on July 1st and under the state department new funding will flow to those who have American Intrests at heart.
Sounds so very differnt when written like that doesnt it.

USAID gave 250 million to Vietnam to buy electric vehicles that sounds absolutely absurd
I wonder which models they purchased

How can you bear to live in Thailand is probably the most pertinent point here it must be driving you insane and the Chinese influence OMG how dreadful for you.