China announced on Tuesday that it is extending more than $2.4 million in humanitarian aid and emergency supplies to the Philippines following the devastation caused by back-to-back typhoons that struck the country’s central and northern regions.
“In the spirit of humanity and friendship with the Philippine people, China has provided assistance in cash and emergency supplies to the Philippines, and some Chinese provinces are also extending a helping hand through channels between sister provinces,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said in Beijing.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila confirmed that the aid package includes $1 million in cash and approximately 10 million RMB, or about $1.4 million, in emergency relief goods. Lin expressed China’s sympathy and solidarity with the victims, saying, “We wish those affected will recover from the disaster and rebuild their homes at an early date.”
The gesture of assistance comes amid persistent maritime tensions between the two countries over disputed territories in the South China Sea. Despite ongoing diplomatic strains, China’s donation underscores an attempt to reinforce humanitarian ties during a time of crisis.
According to Philippine disaster officials, the latest death toll from Super Typhoon Uwan (international name: Fung Wong), which triggered flash floods, landslides, and widespread power outages across Northern Luzon, has risen to 25. Meanwhile, the earlier onslaught of Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) left at least 224 people dead, 526 injured, and 109 still missing across several provinces.
The United States, a key defense ally of Manila, had earlier pledged $1 million in assistance to support disaster relief operations following Typhoon Tino and recent earthquakes in the Southern Philippines. Washington’s aid includes emergency shelter, logistics support, and water and sanitation services for heavily affected areas still recovering from recent natural disasters.
Lin emphasized China’s concern over the scale of destruction brought by the storms. “We mourn for the lives lost and extend sympathies to the families whose loved ones died or went missing in the typhoons. Our hearts go out to those affected by the disaster,” he said.
Following the twin typhoons, the Chinese Embassy noted that “relevant Chinese provinces, businesses, and local Chinese communities in the Philippines” have also contributed aid to those in need.
“In the spirit of humanitarianism and out of friendship between the Chinese and Filipino peoples, we sincerely hope that the Filipino people in the disaster-stricken areas will recover and rebuild their homes soon,” the embassy added.