AidData: The USA is the main beneficiary of Chinese loans, with over 200 billion dollars, while loans for developing countries have decreased significantly.

According to a study conducted by AidData at William & Mary University, the United States is the largest beneficiary of Chinese lending, receiving over 200 billion dollars for nearly 2500 projects. Between 2000 and 2023, China has provided loans and grants totaling 2200 billion dollars, but the trend is increasingly shifting towards advanced economies, to the detriment of developing countries.

Although Beijing has been considered a major creditor for developing countries through the Belt and Road initiative, it is now focusing on strategic infrastructure and advanced technologies in upper-middle-income states. The share of loans to lower-middle-income countries has drastically decreased from 88% in 2000 to 12% in 2023. Examples include funding for LNG projects in the U.S. and acquisitions of technology companies. This shift reflects a reorientation of China's lending policy, which is becoming increasingly active in developed economies.