Jakarta:China has significantly increased its funding for multilateral development institutions, with contributions rising more than tenfold since 2010. Despite this substantial growth, China remains behind European donors in terms of financing international development.

According to Anadolu Agency, China's contributions surpassed $3 billion in 2024, indicating its expanding role in global financial institutions, as reported by the Center for Global Development based in Washington. However, the European Union and its member states continue to be the largest collective providers of official development assistance worldwide, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. In 2024, EU institutions provided $6.4 billion to multilateral organizations, encompassing a broader category of development financing.

The study highlighted that China has increasingly directed its contributions towards development banks rather than UN agencies and specialized funds. Reports by Chinese financial platform Sina Finance noted Beijing's growing commitments, although it has limited influence within multilateral institutions.

China has pledged $1.5 billion to the World Bank's International Development Association, making it the fifth-largest donor. Additionally, its multilateral climate financing reached approximately $5.3 billion in 2025. Despite these contributions, China holds about 6% of voting shares at the World Bank, which is less than half the proportion suggested by its share of the global economy.

Western countries have been resistant to changes in voting structures that would grant Beijing greater influence. This situation arises as traditional Western donors face increasing pressure to sustain development assistance amidst tightening budgets and rising international financing needs.