China’s International Aid in Education: Development, Determinants and Discord

Abstract

As a public good, international aid has contributed much to the educational development in developing countries since the end of World War II. As a continuity of a country’s domestic and foreign policies, it complements foreign, military, and economic policies. China’s has been an active provider of international aid. With a distinctive legacy inherited from ancient times, China’s unique mentality has exercised great impact on its policy and practice in international aid in education. China’s policy and practice have become increasingly significant as the Chinese power is fast rising globally. Research on this, however, has been much lacking, especially in the English literature. After analyzing China’s lingering legacy of its ancient tributary system, this chapter depicts a general picture of China’s international aid in education both historically and in the contemporary world. It then interrogates China’s current practice and provides some policy options for future developments.