Pathetic donation to the Philippines from the world's second largest economy

[Kardan]

I was going to say in my previous post about the question you've just asked.

If I was in a restaurant, I would consider it an insult to the waiter if I left them a 2p tip (or anything else that was seriously low compared to the value of the bill). I don't think China were obliged to give anything, and I never said that at all - I just think it is more of a stab at the Philippines than anything else.

Well in that case we agree And whilst the waiter analogy holds most of the time, in this case, the waiter would have to be homeless (for example) or where he desperately needed as much money as he could get... Pretty much like the Philippines now. 2p is better than nothing, even if it is only 2p. If you serve enough people in a day, at least you'll be able to buy a loaf of bread at the end of the day.

[AgnesIO]

Well in that case we agree And whilst the waiter analogy holds most of the time, in this case, the waiter would have to be homeless (for example) or where he desperately needed as much money as he could get... Pretty much like the Philippines now. 2p is better than nothing, even if it is only 2p. If you serve enough people in a day, at least you'll be able to buy a loaf of bread at the end of the day.

Indeed, however if you look at what the UN says it needs ($301,000,000) for this appeal, you would need 3010 countries to each give $100,000, however baring in mind the UN only recognises 193 countries as member states (or something around that mark?), this would mean they would end up over 15 times short of their target!

As I say, I don't think they had to donate anything at all, I just think looking at the context of the disaster, I do think they should have left their political ties behind - heck, it may have even benefited their power in the ASEAN community if they did this!

[-:Undertaker:-]

If you ask me, countries aka the state shouldn't be giving aid anyway - if people feel so strongly about helping others in a disaster zone (which is perfectly reasonable and noble) then they should donate themselves on an individual basis rather than asking governments to use the force of the law (taxation) to force citizens/subjects to donate to a charitable cause.

I haven't got a problem with countries using naval/army resources to deliever the help (above) as it's extra training for the armed forces. But yeah there's my two shillings.

[Kardan]

Indeed, however if you look at what the UN says it needs ($301,000,000) for this appeal, you would need 3010 countries to each give $100,000, however baring in mind the UN only recognises 193 countries as member states (or something around that mark?), this would mean they would end up over 15 times short of their target!

As I say, I don't think they had to donate anything at all, I just think looking at the context of the disaster, I do think they should have left their political ties behind - heck, it may have even benefited their power in the ASEAN community if they did this!

I agree with you on all these points, we're just lucky that each country isn't donating $100,000 and usually a lot more

[lucaskf390]

I think they forgot two 0's....

[Kardan]

China - which is engaged in a territorial dispute with the Philippines - is sending 10m yuan ($1.6m; £1m) in relief goods.

Not just $100,000 anymore.

[AgnesIO]

If you ask me, countries aka the state shouldn't be giving aid anyway - if people feel so strongly about helping others in a disaster zone (which is perfectly reasonable and noble) then they should donate themselves on an individual basis rather than asking governments to use the force of the law (taxation) to force citizens/subjects to donate to a charitable cause.

I haven't got a problem with countries using naval/army resources to deliever the help (above) as it's extra training for the armed forces. But yeah there's my two shillings.

I think part of the issue is if the government announced it was stopping all foreign aid tomorrow, the public would NOT receive that money back in tax! The gift aid scheme in itself has its issues (40% tax payer still only gets 25% added to their donation!)

Not just $100,000 anymore.

A nice improvement - wonder if it was due to pressure from other states, or always planned. Either way it is good news

[Ardemax]

So basically, you're both saying $100,000 = $0?

I'm sure the Philippines are grateful for any money they get and have a lot more to worry about right now then China trying to be awkward and making a point.

$100k from like the second biggest economy in the world is a pathetic attempt, is what I'm saying. Because quite frankly it is.