China's Role as the World's Largest Creditor and Shift in Lending Strategy

China is the world's largest creditor, with developing countries owing over $1.1 trillion in loans. The focus of China's overseas financing has shifted from the Belt and Road Initiative to rescue lending. China's lending commitments peaked at $136 billion in 2016, but still committed to almost $80 billion in loans and grants in 2021. China is changing its lending strategy to reduce financial risk and is outsourcing risk analysis to international institutions. Despite its financing lead, China faces sagging trust in many nations.