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Andrew Mitchell has promised to conduct a "root and branch review" of Britain’s aid and development programme.
The shadow international development secretary said a Conservative government would stop giving aid to China, and instead give more to the poorest people in the world.
"Our aid budget is the fruit of the hard work of British people. It must be spent wisely," he said on Wednesday. "And that means it must be targeted on the countries and peoples who need it most."
Mitchell reiterated a Tory commitment to spending 0.7 per cent of national income on international development, and promised to create a new £40m 'poverty impact fund' to support British non-governmental organisations and charities in their efforts to fight poverty.
"The fund will be driven by those closest to the poor who are the ultimate recipients. And it will support efforts that are innovative and accountable."
He went on: "I know that some people will be thinking that at a time like this of economic uncertainty, social breakdown and rising violent crime, the Conservative Party should concentrate on our own backyard.
"There was once a time when events in far-flung countries like Rwanda had little impact on life here at home. But times have changed.
"As well as being a moral obligation, there is no doubt that it is in our national interest to tackle global poverty.
"In a globalised world, the fate of countries like Burma is our fate too. We see that most dramatically in the flow of migrants."
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