China's Aid to Philippines in Wake of Typhoon Less Than That Supplied By US, Private Charities

Has pledged $1.6 million so far

It's been spending tens of billions of dollars to become the most powerful regional military force, in a bid to rival America as the world's superpower. It's the second-largest economy in the world – and happens to be the Philippines' neighbor.

But in the wake of the devastating Typhoon Haiyan, China has coughed up less for the Philippines than some private companies.

The Chinese government so far has pledged $1.6 million. And that was only after Beijing caught flak for its original aid sum: a paltry $100,000.