MAPPING
GLOBAL
CHINA
Our Vision
The Mapping Global China Initiative aims to foster dialogue, share knowledge, and deepen understanding of China's global impact across disciplines and regions. We are building an open platform that offers accessible data and multimedia resources for research, teaching, and informed decision-making. Our goal is to create a vibrant community where scholars, students, and the public engage in collaborative learning and discussion about Global China.
Explore Maps
Build Your Own Map
Custom VisualizationCreate custom visualizations by selecting datasets, applying filters, and combining different layers to explore China's global presence through your own lens.
Leaders Visits & Confucius Institutes
Soft PowerExplore China's cultural influence and diplomatic outreach through Confucius Institutes, media presence, educational exchanges, and cultural programs that shape perceptions and build relationships across the globe.
Chinese-Financed Power Plants
Global Energy InfrastructureTrack China's strategic energy investments, infrastructure projects, and partnerships in renewable energy, oil, gas, and power generation that secure resources and influence global energy markets.
Ports & Logistics
Maritime InfrastructureVisualize Chinese port investments, terminal operations, and maritime infrastructure projects that facilitate global trade, enhance connectivity, and strengthen China's position in international shipping networks.
Military
Defense & SecurityExamine China's military presence, defense partnerships, strategic installations, and security cooperation that extend its influence and protect its interests worldwide.
Infrastructure
Global DevelopmentDiscover Chinese-funded infrastructure projects including roads, railways, bridges, airports, and urban development initiatives that transform landscapes and create economic dependencies.
Trade
Economic FlowsAnalyze trade flows, commercial relationships, and economic partnerships between China and countries worldwide, revealing patterns of economic interdependence and influence.
Investment
Foreign Direct InvestmentTrack Chinese foreign direct investment and construction projects worldwide, exploring investment flows and construction activities across different sectors and regions.
Build Your Own Map
Custom VisualizationCreate custom visualizations by selecting datasets, applying filters, and combining different layers to explore China's global presence through your own lens.
Leaders Visits & Confucius Institutes
Soft PowerExplore China's cultural influence and diplomatic outreach through Confucius Institutes, media presence, educational exchanges, and cultural programs that shape perceptions and build relationships across the globe.
Featured Insights
Latest in MGC
What's Next
Who produces knowledge about China
- China Centers layer: China knowledge production, mapped
- Conversations on global China studies
- Central Asia stories from Khorgos and the Ferghana valley
- Short demonstrations of the Master Map, trade and investment tools
Central Asia and Latin America
- Diplomatic Visits layer, linking travel to investment and infrastructure
- Findings, interviews and images from the Central Asia workshop
- Chinese state-owned enterprises in Latin America
Belt and Road Initiative
- A visual comparison of Belt and Road phases and project types
- Outputs from the Latin America convening in Rio
- New stories from Nepal, Pakistan and Europe
China and international organisations
- Datasets and research on multilateral engagement
- The next set of Global China Stories
Soft power
- White papers and press releases
- Embassy news and statements
- Confucius Institutes and state visits, refreshed
Story Maps
- Story Maps opens to registered users
- New stories from the Central Asia and Latin America workshops
Chinese capital
- Companies and corporate statecraft
- Investment and infrastructure finance, side by side
Security
- Military transfers and security meetings, together
- Conflict events beside the projects nearby
Trade and tariffs
- Trade flows by commodity, updated
- The Tariff Tracker, a year on
On the calendar
Where we present the platform and the research behind it. Each event page has the programme and how to take part.
5–6
Nov
Global Transformation and Regional Dynamics: Central Asia in the Emerging International Order
5–6 November 2026Central Asia3–4
Dec
China and Latin America: Investments, Disputes, and the Law
3–4 December 2026South America · Central America · Caribbean5–6
Apr
Global China and Urban Futures: Infrastructures of Power and Imagination
5–6 April 2027China · United Arab Emirates · Europe