Key facts
- China's overseas interests have expanded beyond traditional assets to include personnel security and digital assets.
- A Chinese analysis called for a shift in strategy to protect these expanding interests.
- Safeguarding overseas interests is an important component of China's national security framework.
- China's outward direct investment reached $3.13 trillion by the end of 2024.
- Over 52,000 Chinese enterprises have been established overseas.
- Legislators and business leaders are calling for accelerated drafting of a law on the protection of overseas interests.
Beijing has been urged to enhance its strategy for protecting its expanding overseas interests, which now encompass personnel security and digital assets in addition to traditional physical assets like energy and infrastructure. A Chinese analysis posted on the Global Security Research social media account called for a significant strategic shift, emphasizing diplomatic engagement to reshape international rules and deeper security cooperation.
By the end of 2024, China's outward direct investment had reached $3.13 trillion, with more than 52,000 enterprises established overseas. Safeguarding these interests is considered an important component of China's national security framework. The analysis suggests that China's approach transcends zero-sum competition, focusing instead on common security, shared development, and shared interests, aligning with the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind.
Practically, China has implemented over 2,000 cooperation projects in Africa under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation framework, generating substantial economic benefits. In Latin America, China has signed Belt and Road Initiative cooperation documents with 24 countries, with investments reaching $567.7 billion by the end of 2024. China has also deepened security and economic cooperation in Central Asia, addressing threats like terrorism and separatism.
National legislators and business leaders are advocating for the accelerated drafting of a law on the protection of overseas interests to provide clearer legal backing for Chinese enterprises. They suggest this would strengthen risk-prevention mechanisms and improve inter-agency coordination. Zhang Shuibo, a professor of economics, noted that basing protection on domestic legislation and extending extraterritorial application of laws is a common practice among major economies. The Ministry of Commerce reported that China's nonfinancial outbound direct investment grew by 1.3% year-on-year to $145.66 billion in 2025.