The World Bank will phase out its lending to China by 2031, sources quoted by multiple outlets say. Reporting from Nigeria and other international outlets links the change to the World Bank’s new Country Partnership Framework and describes it as a shift from financing projects to providing knowledge and advisory support. Several reports note that the World Bank’s lending to China has been declining in recent years, amid China’s rapid economic growth and changes in its development needs.
An AFP-sourced account cited by NDTV says a source familiar with the matter confirms the timeline. Vanguard also reports that a source familiar with the decision corroborated an earlier Financial Times report. Coverage from the South China Morning Post adds that China’s Ministry of Finance plays down the significance of the reported move, saying cooperation is naturally shifting as domestic needs change and bilateral engagement moves away from financing and toward knowledge sharing.
Overall, the accounts agree on the 2031 end date and the rationale that China’s economic status has reduced the need for World Bank borrowing support, while cooperation continues in a different form.
