China’s investment in Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries surged to its highest level since 2018, reaching nearly USD50bn in overseas projects last year, an 80% increase from 2022. This boost has elevated total engagement with the 150 participating countries to over USD1tr since the initiative’s 2013 inception, according to a collaborative report from Griffith University and Fudan University. The investment expansion, particularly in high-technology and electric-vehicle manufacturing, reflects China’s strategic shift towards smaller, high-value projects amid global scrutiny of its lending practices. Despite domestic economic challenges, China’s commitment to the BRI, with a focus on renewable energy and mining technologies, remains strong, aiming to maintain or exceed 2023’s investment levels.