World Bank to End Lending to China by 2031, Report Says

The World Bank plans to phase out lending to China by 2031, according to its new Country Partnership Framework, a source familiar with the matter told Agence France-Presse (AFP).

The World Bank is expected to phase out lending to China by 2031 as Beijing's role shifts from borrower to development partner. (Photo: Paul Blake, World Bank Flickr)

The source confirmed an earlier report by the Financial Times, saying China's rapid economic development has fundamentally changed its relationship with the World Bank.

"China has made significant development advances over the past several decades—progress that the World Bank and others have supported," a bank official said on condition of anonymity.

"Now we are reaching a new phase of our relationship, reflecting that reality."

World Bank lending to China has steadily declined in recent years as the country's economy expanded and poverty rates fell.

During his first term, President Donald Trump called for the World Bank to stop lending to China altogether, arguing that the world's second-largest economy no longer required such assistance.

World Bank lending to China peaked at $2.42 billion in 2017 before declining to $750 million in 2025.

Despite receiving loans, China remains a significant contributor to the World Bank's International Development Association (IDA), committing $1.5 billion in the latest replenishment round, making it the fifth-largest donor.

"The World Bank's role is shifting from lender to knowledge partner, in line with China's development trajectory," the official said.