Japan said Friday it was tripling its emergency aid package for the typhoon-ravaged Philippines to more than $30 million, as Tokyo prepares to send as many as 1,000 troops to help with relief efforts.
The foreign ministry said it would now give $30 million in emergency grant aid to the disaster-struck nation, up from a previous $10 million. Another $2 million worth of emergency relief goods and assistance is being delivered through Japanese non-governmental organizations.
Tokyo said the total package would reach about $52 million including a $20 million contribution to its poverty reduction fund at the Manila-based Asian Development Bank.
The major contribution to the Philippines from Asia’s second-biggest economy has drawn comparisons to the relatively little coming from China, which is now the region’s largest economy and which is embroiled in territorial disputes with Manila.
China said Thursday it would provide a further $1.6 million aid to the Philippines, mainly in tents and blankets, after widespread criticism of its initial modest response of a $100,000 government donation, matched by the Chinese Red Cross.
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