Pakistan, Nov. 18 -- A new study has revealed that the United States is the largest recipient of China's official lending worldwide, marking a significant shift in Beijing's global financial strategy. According to a report released on Tuesday by AidData - a research lab at William & Mary University - China disbursed $2.2 trillion in loans and grants to 200 countries between 2000 and 2023. Over the same period, Pakistan received $74 billion, making it the fifth-biggest recipient.

The findings show that China, traditionally viewed as a major creditor to developing nations through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), is increasingly directing its lending toward higher-income countries. Much of this new portfolio supports strategic infrastruc...