BEIJING — The outpouring of international aid to the Philippines makes China’s contribution for typhoon relief look like a trickle: Several countries and even Swedish furniture chain Ikea have done more than the world’s second-largest economy. That won’t help Beijing’s campaign to win over neighbors with its soft power.

China has pledged less than $2 million in cash and materials, compared to $20 million provided by the United States, which also launched a massive military-driven rescue operation that includes an aircraft carrier.