China's Belt and Road Initiative saw contracts surge 75%
FT.COM
Belt and Road
SUMMARY

China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) saw new investment and construction contracts surge 75% in 2025 to a record $213.5 billion, up from $122.6 billion the previous year, according to a joint study by Griffith University and Shanghai's Green Finance & Development Center. Beijing signed 350 deals last year, compared with 293 in 2024.

The increase occurred amid US-China tensions over trade, technology, and supply chains, as well as disruptions from US military actions affecting global energy markets. Beijing capitalized on perceived declines in US global influence to expand funding for development projects.

the study’s author

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