The hidden truth behind China’s massive global lending portfolio

China’s expansive global lending portfolio has recently been brought to light through an in-depth investigation. Contrary to previous estimates, the investigation revealed that China has accumulated a staggering US$2 trillion in global lending, a figure more than double what was previously believed. The study by the U.S.-based AidData, based on over two decades of dealmaking and 30,000 projects, has offered a detailed insight into the enormity of China’s overseas lending. China’s loans since 2000 have predominantly targeted high-income and upper-middle-income countries across North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific, funding projects in energy, transportation, and advanced technology. Although traditionally believed to…