BEIJING -- The formation of a new high-level Chinese government agency to oversee foreign aid programs highlights Beijing's interest in increasing the use of assistance as a key instrument of diplomacy in support of its global political and economic agenda.
Under an administrative reorganization that is to be voted on by the National People's Congress, the nation's rubber-stamp parliament, on Saturday, the Office for International Development Cooperation will be formed under the State Council, China's cabinet. It will bring together functions now split between the foreign affairs and commerce ministries and other departments.
