While economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions continue to impact cross-border investment, China remains a dominant force, expanding its outward direct investment (ODI) stock to 7.2% of the global total.
From the acceleration of AI capabilities to a renewed focus on the Belt and Road Initiative, Chinese firms are reassessing risks and refining their global strategies to navigate heightened regulatory scrutiny and US-China tensions.
Explore the infographic below to see the three recent waves of Chinese firms going global and the six key trends defining China’s ODI for 2026.
Register for the webinar: Six trends defining China’s ODI in 2026
While the data highlights the shift, the strategic implications for global business are still unfolding. Join our lead economists on Monday March 30th 2026 to learn how China’s evolving role as a long-term capital provider is redefining technology standards, supply-chain resilience, and competitive dynamics.
This session is designed to help you anticipate policy headwinds and identify how shifting sector priorities will affect your cross-border strategy in a more fragmented global environment.
Session 1: 10:00am HKT | 11:00am JST | 1:00pm AEDT
Session 2: 9:30am BST | 10:30am CEST | 4:30pm HKT
The analysis and forecasts presented in this article are drawn from EIU’s Country Analysis service. This comprehensive solution offers essential insights into the political and economic outlook of nearly 200 countries, empowering businesses to manage risks and develop effective strategies.
