China witnessed a net increase of approximately 160 billion U.S. dollars in foreign capital inflows during the first five months of 2026, representing a marked improvement in the country's appeal to global investors, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) said on Friday.
"Balance of payments data showed that foreign investors' various types of investment in China recorded a net increase of about 160 billion U.S. dollars in the first five months of the year, significantly outperformed the same period last year. This includes direct investment, portfolio investment, and deposits and loans absorbed from abroad. China maintains its position as the world's second-largest destination for accumulated foreign investment stock," Zhao Yuchao, head of SAFE Balance of Payments Department, told reporters at a press briefing.
The SAFE data also showed China's foreign investment structure has continued to shift toward higher-value and more innovation-driven sectors.
"The SAFE cross-border receipts and payments data showed that in the first half of the year, foreign capital inflows into China's high-tech services and high-tech manufacturing sectors increased by 61 percent year on year, accounting for 36 percent of total capital inflows, up 11 percentage points from the same period last year. The data indicates foreign investment in China has gradually shifted in recent years, from seeking the cost and scale advantages of 'Made in China', to jointly participating in the development of 'Created in China'," Zhao said.
Foreign investment into China sees 160-bln-USD net increase in Jan-May period: SAFE
Foreign investment into China sees 160-bln-USD net increase in Jan-May period: SAFE
The South China Sea region showed stable marine ecological conditions in 2025, with improving coral coverage, healthy mangrove ecosystems and the return of rare species, according to two reports released by the South China Sea Bureau of the Ministry of Natural Resources on Friday.
The 2025 South China Sea Marine Ecological Early Warning and Monitoring Report and the 2025 South China Sea Marine Ecological Protection and Restoration Report were published at an event in Haikou City of south China's Hainan Province to mark the National Ecology Day, which fell on Saturday this year.
The reports indicated that the overall marine ecological status remained stable in the South China Sea region last year. Mangrove ecosystems were in good condition, with canopy coverage exceeding 75 percent.
For the first time, a comprehensive assessment of island reef ecological conditions was provided across the Xisha, Zhongsha and Nansha islands, covering nine reefs in detail. This has provided a fundamental basis for strengthening the classification, protection and management of islands and reefs.
The ecological conditions of the Xisha Islands are showing positive signs of recovery, while Huangyan Dao (Island) in the Zhongsha Islands features a unique and diverse ecosystem, the reports said.
In 2025, a total of 66 marine ecological restoration projects were carried out in the South China Sea region with a cumulative investment nearing five billion yuan (about 74.18 million U.S. dollars), according to the reports.
By the end of 2025, the region had designated marine ecological protection redline areas covering about 2.66 million hectares and marine protected areas spanning around seven million hectares.
South China Sea marine ecology stable in 2025: reports
