Overview
- AidData’s new dataset tallies roughly $2.2 trillion in loans and aid from Chinese government or majority state-owned creditors across 2000 to 2023, roughly double previous public estimates.
- The United States received about $200 billion across nearly 2,500 transactions spread across almost every state, making it the single largest national recipient.
- More than half of the U.S.-linked credit took the form of corporate liquidity support via credit lines or syndicates that do not confer ownership or control to Chinese lenders.
- Researchers document a post‑2015 pivot aligned with “Made in China 2025,” featuring ramped-up financing for acquisitions in sectors such as semiconductors, robotics, biotechnology, and critical minerals.
- AidData traces widespread use of offshore shells and overseas bank branches to mask origins, as tighter screening like strengthened CFIUS reviews makes sensitive deals harder and lenders adapt their tactics.