New Underlying Trends in Chinese Cross-Border Investments

This study analyses China’s key investment characteristics: geographical preferences, investment compositions, and policy initiatives, such as Made in China 2025, financial liberalization, and the Belt and Road Initiative.

Abstract

As global macroeconomic uncertainties influence markets, notable shifts and oscillations in Chinese outbound and cross-border investment flows have become apparent. This study reveals China’s key investment characteristics including geographical preferences, investment compositions, and structural changes in industrial and foreign policies, such as Made in China 2025, financial liberalization, and OBOR. While these trends seem contradictory at times, opportunities are available for nimble and creative players who could capitalize on China’s increasing demand in the new economy (“xin jing ji”), with adequate consideration of regulatory scrutinies.