Chinese spending on the Belt and Road Initiative hit an unprecedented record high in 2025, as Beijing aggressively pursued investment opportunities in global markets, a move that reflects the Asian dragon's determination to strengthen its economic influence despite increasing global geopolitical turmoil.
A huge leap in investments
A recent joint study by Australia’s Griffith University and the Shanghai Green Finance and Development Centre revealed a significant leap in the value of investments and agreements related to the Belt and Road Initiative. The total value surged by an astonishing 75%, reaching $213.5 billion in 2025, compared to just $122.6 billion the previous year. This growth wasn't limited to financial value; it also extended to the number of projects, with China signing 350 new deals compared to 293 in 2024, with a notable focus on gas and green energy projects, which are becoming the backbone of the future economy.
Background of the initiative and its strategic importance
The Belt and Road Initiative, first launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, is a cornerstone of China’s foreign and economic policy. It aims to revive the ancient Silk Road through a vast network of ports, railways, highways, and energy projects connecting China with Asia, Africa, and Europe. Over the past decade, the initiative has evolved from traditional infrastructure projects into a comprehensive platform for technological and financial cooperation, solidifying China’s position as a leading trading partner for many developing countries.
Expansion motives amid global tensions
This expansion comes at a time of escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing over trade and technology disputes, according to the Financial Times. Analysts believe this massive financial injection represents a Chinese strategy to hedge against potential Western sanctions and secure vital supply chains. By diversifying its economic partners, Beijing seeks to reduce its reliance on traditional Western markets and create a new global economic bloc centered on its own interests.
Future outlook: Energy and minerals
Looking ahead, Christophe Nidobel Wang, a Chinese energy and finance expert and author of the study, predicts that this investment momentum will continue through 2026. He noted that the focus will be primarily on large-scale investments in the energy sector, strategic minerals essential for technology industries, and new technologies. Wang attributed this to ongoing global fluctuations in trade and investment, which are driving Chinese companies to enhance their operational flexibility and secure alternative markets to ensure continued economic growth, free from Western political pressures.
