Methodology

The China Cross-Border Monitor (CBM) provides transactions-based data that complements official economic statistics to improve the understanding of China’s global economic footprint.

CBM data on China’s global outbound investment is powered by Rhodium Group's proprietary Comprehensive Direct Investment Tracking (CDIT) methodology. CDIT data is compiled by systematically tracking individual acquisitions, greenfield projects, and expansions by Chinese companies globally. Our data collection methods combine automated data scraping and natural language processing technologies with the qualitative research skills of a team of experienced China analysts.

Our data is based on three separate datasets that capture different types of FDI transactions:

• Major FDI Transactions: Investments above $5 million that are verifiable through company disclosures, regulatory information, and other public sources. All transactions have a confirmed source and are reviewed by analysts.
• Small and Medium FDI Transactions: Investments between $100,000 to $5 million that are verifiable through company disclosures, regulatory information, and other public sources. All transactions have a confirmed source, but not all have been reviewed by analysts.
• Micro FDI Transactions: Greenfield projects and micro businesses with investments of less than $100,000 that are either sourced from business registries or estimated based on a proprietary methodology.

In addition to our three transaction datasets, we also maintain a fourth dataset that captures the  investors and targets involved in each individual transaction. This allows us to comprehensively map out the overseas footprint of specific Chinese companies including their ultimate beneficial owners.

A description of the CDIT concept and methodology can be found in the overview document below. A Technical Methodology Paper and other technical documentation are available for registered CBM+ users.   

Our database is updated on a quarterly basis. More information about the version history of our database can be found here.