China’s Overseas Investment Hits Seven-Year High In 2025: Report

China’s outbound direct investment rose to a seven-year high in 2025 as companies shifted capital toward energy, raw materials, and data centers, according to a new report from Rhodium Group.

Chinese firms announced $124 billion in new overseas investments last year, an 18 percent increase from 2024. Completed deals climbed 14 percent to $73 billion, signaling a recovery from pandemic-era lows.

Chinese outbound investment remained robust in 2025, with nearly 80 percent of surveyed firms maintaining or expanding overseas operations, according to the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.

A survey of over 1,200 companies showed strong optimism for… pic.twitter.com/O6k0Ow48Ja

— China Focus (@China__Focus) February 1, 2026

Despite the rebound, offshore manufacturing investment declined in most regions, reflecting Beijing’s concerns over technology leakage and a preference for domestic production.

The report found a sharp move away from automotive projects toward energy and basic materials, which made up nearly half of total outbound investment.

China has consistently remained a key destination for global investors, providing multinationals with a vast market, technology-driven innovation ecosystems, and strong industrial and supply chain support, according to a report published on Tuesday, noting China's long-standing… pic.twitter.com/3HqCgxDeFN

— People's Daily, China (@PDChina) February 4, 2026

Data centers also surged, especially in Southeast Asia. China ranked third globally in data center investment, behind the United States and the UAE, according to UNCTAD.

Investment increasingly flowed to Asia, Africa, and Latin America, while Europe and North America saw a steep decline in China’s share.

Also read:

Panama Canal Court Decision Triggers Sharp China Response

China has sharply criticized a ruling by Panama’s top court that voided a Hong Kong company’s license to operate ports at both ends of the Panama Canal, warning Panama it could face serious political and economic consequences, according to Chinese state statements. The decision struck down the contract

tippinsightsTIPP Staff

Project Vault Aims To Shield U.S. Industry From China’s Hold On Critical Minerals

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is rolling out a $12 billion initiative to reduce America’s reliance on China for critical minerals used in advanced manufacturing, according to the South China Morning Post. The plan, called Project Vault, will create the first commercial-scale strategic stockpile of minerals

tippinsightsTIPP Staff

China And Britain Signal Long-Term Partnership After Xi-Starmer Talks

China and Britain agreed to deepen cooperation and pursue a long-term strategic partnership after talks between President Xi Jinping and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Beijing, signaling a thaw in bilateral relations. Xi called for a “new chapter” in ties and urged closer dialogue between the two countries as

tippinsightsTIPP Staff