A recent case of a Chinese charity awarding over 36,000 yuan ($5,000) to a female student has sparked public debate after photos revealed that she owned a number of Apple gadgets and a lavish home, highlighting the dilemma of who qualifies for charitable donations in China.
The recipient comes from a single-parent family in Dongying, Shandong Province. According to the local charity group, her brother suffered a terrible accident in 2021 that led to four life-saving brain surgeries, costing around 400,000 yuan.
But the public questioned how her family could afford expensive medical fees and home renovations while accepting donations. Some commented that she should “look poor” to deserve assistance.
Experts argue that reasonable oversight ensures limited charity resources target the truly needy. But assessments shouldn’t judge simply based on possessions owned, as even someone with an iPhone could face genuine distress.
“China has eradicated extreme poverty. But things like accidents and illnesses still pose significant financial challenges for middle-income families,” said Cheng Fen, professor at Beijing Normal University. “As we advocate ‘high-quality growth’ for the country, charity aid criteria can shift to cover more dimensions, including mental health.”
To address public anger and rebuild trust, charities are advised to strengthen vetting procedures, disclose how funds are used, and provide mental health support to recipients facing online scrutiny.
