In recent years, the relationship between ASEAN [the Association of Southeast Asian Nations] and China has been primarily characterised by booming trade, investment, and policy dialogues. However, a significant – yet underappreciated – aspect of this relationship lies in the realm of philanthropy and nonprofit sector exchanges. These charitable initiatives are quietly reshaping the socio-economic landscape across both regions, offering a collaborative path that transcends traditional frameworks and places social impact at the forefront of bilateral relations.

The player: Who’s leading in philanthropy? 

While the narrative around ASEAN-China relations often centres on economic and political engagements, a diverse array of actors is driving impactful philanthropic efforts. From China, a variety of organisations are making their mark across Southeast Asia.

These include government-affiliated foundations such as the China Red Cross, private organisations like the Peaceland Foundation, and locally-led nonprofits operated by Chinese communities in ASEAN countries. The focus of these Chinese nonprofits spans disaster relief, poverty alleviation, and support for disadvantaged populations. Notably, the first large-scale Chinese nonprofit involvement overseas work was during the rescue and reconstruction efforts following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the 2015 Nepal earthquake. Since then, organisations such as the Amity Foundation and China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD) have continued to respond to natural disasters across ASEAN, driven by a blend of humanitarian, political and economic motivations.

On the ASEAN side, philanthropic actors like Singapore’s Temasek Foundation, the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO), and the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) have engaged in projects within China. These initiatives range from educational collaborations and healthcare improvements to environmental sustainability projects, reflecting a mutual commitment to capacity building and knowledge exchange.

The motivation: What drives philanthropy?

The motivations behind these philanthropic endeavours are multifaceted. For Chinese philanthropy and nonprofits, the drive to engage in ASEAN countries stems from three primary factors:

1. Political: Southeast Asia is a strategic focus of China’s foreign policy. From 2013 to 2023, nearly 37 per cent of China’s foreign aid was directed to low-income countries in Asia, predominantly in Southeast Asia. Government-affiliated foundations, guided by Chinese foreign policy, often collaborate with local governments and communities in these countries, with endorsement from Chinese embassies.
2. Economic: ASEAN is a critical region for China’s overseas investment, with nearly 81 per cent of China’s foreign direct investment flows in 2023 directed towards ASEAN. Philanthropic efforts in the region often align with economic interests. Chinese companies have worked closely with nonprofit partners to carry out their philanthropic projects in key markets, exemplified by Alibaba’s collaboration with the CFRD in Cambodia and Nepal. This approach facilitates the flow of private sector resources to the nonprofit sector, aligning philanthropic efforts with broader economic and political objectives in the region.
3. Humanitarian and Mission-Driven: Many Chinese nonprofits are genuinely motivated by the desire to respond to disasters and support vulnerable populations in ASEAN countries. The proximity of Southeast Asia to China, coupled with the support of Chinese communities in these countries, makes it feasible for nonprofits to act quickly and effectively in times of need. In addition, an increasing number of mission-driven nonprofits from China are focusing on areas such as education, environmental issues, and support for disadvantaged groups, reflecting a broader engagement with global challenges. 

On the other hand, the drive for ASEAN philanthropy and nonprofits to engage in China typically stems from three primary factors:

1. Strategic Influence and Partnerships: China is a major global player, and its influence in Southeast Asia is substantial. ASEAN actors see engagement with China as an opportunity to build strategic partnerships, leverage China’s economic and political influence, and align with regional development goals. Collaborating with Chinese entities can also open doors to funding, resources, and support for initiatives that align with shared interests, such as poverty alleviation, education, and healthcare.
2. Access to Resources and Expertise: China has significant resources and expertise in various sectors, including technology, infrastructure development, and sustainable development. ASEAN actors are keen to tap into these resources to enhance their own capabilities and effectiveness. Engaging with China allows these organizations to learn from Chinese innovations, access funding, and collaborate on large-scale projects that require substantial investment and technical know-how.
3. Regional Stability and Development Goals: China’s role in regional stability and economic growth is critical for ASEAN countries. Philanthropic organizations and nonprofits see engagement with China as essential to achieving long-term development goals in the region, such as poverty reduction, environmental sustainability, and disaster resilience. By working together, these organizations can address transnational challenges that affect both ASEAN and China, fostering a more stable and prosperous region.

Current developments

1. The Role of Philanthropy in Diplomacy and Soft Power

Philanthropy is increasingly becoming a strategic tool for diplomacy in the ASEAN-China relationship. Beyond mere charity, these efforts are part of a broader strategy to build long-term relationships and enhance China’s soft power in the region. While these efforts contribute to regional development, they also raise important questions about the influence that China may exert over time. The interplay between aid and influence is delicate, and it is crucial for ASEAN nations to balance the benefits of Chinese philanthropy with the need to maintain autonomy in their policy-making.

2. Local Ownership and Cultural Sensitivity

The success of philanthropic initiatives often hinges on the degree of local ownership and cultural sensitivity. Chinese players have sometimes faced criticism for adopting a top-down approach that may not fully appreciate the local context. However, successful initiatives do exist, such as Jack Ma Foundation’s rural teacher program that engage local communities, respect cultural differences, and empower local actors. For philanthropy to be truly effective, it must go beyond transplanting Chinese models. Collaborations should be participatory, with a focus on co-creating solutions that are culturally and contextually relevant.

3. The Need for Transparency and Accountability

As philanthropic efforts expand, there is a growing need for transparency and accountability. Both sides should prioritize establishing clear reporting mechanisms, conducting regular impact assessments, and maintaining open channels of communication with stakeholders. This not only builds trust but also ensures that philanthropy remains focused on its mission.

4. Challenges and Opportunities 

ASEAN actors in China face challenges such as navigating complex regulatory environments, bridging cultural differences, and addressing the scale of China’s social challenges. Despite these hurdles, there are significant opportunities, particularly in areas like environmental sustainability, where ASEAN counterparts can bring valuable expertise and innovative approaches. Meanwhile, there is potential and need for mutual learning. ASEAN actors can help shape a more balanced and reciprocal relationship, where both sides contribute to and benefit from shared knowledge and resources.

Similarly, Chinese actors face both significant challenges and promising opportunities. In ASEAN, each country has its own legal frameworks, cultural norms, and political contexts, making it difficult for Chinese NGOs to operate uniformly across the region. Additionally, there is often suspicion or wariness about Chinese influence, especially in areas where China’s geopolitical interests are prominent. This can lead to resistance or limited cooperation. On the other hand, Chinese actors have substantial opportunities to contribute to ASEAN’s development goals, particularly in areas like infrastructure, poverty alleviation, and disaster relief, where China has significant experience and resources. By leveraging expertise and resources from both government and corporates, Chinese NGOs can play critical roles in addressing transnational challenges such as climate change and public health, thereby expanding their network, and enhancing their influence in the region.

Looking forward: The Future of Philanthropy in ASEAN-China Relations

Looking ahead, the future of philanthropy in ASEAN-China relations may see a shift towards more integrated and multi-sectoral approaches. Governments, businesses, and nonprofits could collaborate more closely on complex regional challenges such as climate change, public health, and digital inclusion.

To maximize the impact of these collaborations, it is essential to create platforms for dialogue and exchange between Chinese and ASEAN nonprofits. These platforms could facilitate the sharing of best practices, encourage joint initiatives, and foster a sense of regional solidarity that transcends national interests.

In conclusion, the philanthropic collaboration between ASEAN and China represents a powerful, yet underexplored, dimension of their bilateral relationship. By placing social and community impact at the forefront, these initiatives offer a collaborative path that is neither ASEAN nor China-centric, but rather one that is locally endorsed and globally relevant. As this relationship continues to evolve, the potential for philanthropy and people-to-people exchanges to shape a more equitable and sustainable future should not be overlooked.

This op-ed marks the beginning of a series that will explore the evolving landscape of ASEAN-China philanthropic relations. Future articles will delve into specific case studies, interviews with key actors, and analysis of how these charitable initiatives can pave the way for a more resilient and cooperative future. References for this piece are available upon request.

Rui Wang is the China Representative and Program Advisor – Asia of GlobalGiving, the US’ first and largest global crowdfunding community connecting non-profits, donors, and companies in nearly every country. Sharon Low is currently the cofounder of The Knowledge House, Ltd and has been involved in the designing of monitoring systems, implementation of evaluations and operationalising projects across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia since 1990s.