China’s investment in the Belt and Road Initiative increased by three-quarters to a record $213.5 billion in 2025, reports the Financial Times. This surge comes as Beijing sought to take advantage of wavering US influence around the world by increasing funding in development projects.
The boost in new investment and construction deals was dominated by gas megaprojects and green power, says the FT, citing research by Australia’s Griffith University and the Green Finance & Development Center in Shanghai. Beijing signed 350 deals last year, up from 293 worth $122.6 billion in 2024.
The boom in investment comes as tensions between the US and China over trade and technology disrupt supply chains and US President Donald Trump’s military interventions impact global energy markets.