As of 2025, Pakistan tops the list of countries with the highest debt to China among the top 20 nations, according to updated data. Pakistan owes a total of $26.6 billion to China. This places Pakistan at the forefront among countries indebted to China.
Following Pakistan is Angola with a debt of $21.0 billion. Sri Lanka ranks third with $8.9 billion owed to China. Other countries in the top five include Ethiopia ($6.8 billion) and Kenya ($6.7 billion).
The list of the top 20 countries in debt to China also includes Zambia and Bangladesh, each owing $6.1 billion. Other notable countries on the list are Nigeria ($4.3 billion), South Africa ($3.4 billion), Brazil ($3.4 billion), and Argentina ($2.9 billion).
External debt refers to the money a country owes to foreign lenders, in this case, China. The data highlights the significant financial obligations these countries have to China, raising questions about the implications of such debt on their economic stability and sovereignty.
The growing debt to China among developing countries has been a topic of international discussion, with concerns about debt sustainability and the potential for debt traps. As countries navigate their financial relationships with China, understanding the scale of these debts is crucial for assessing economic risks and opportunities.
Top 20 Countries in Debt to China (2025):
1. Pakistan: $26.6B
2. Angola: $21.0B
3. Sri Lanka: $8.9B
4. Ethiopia: $6.8B
5. Kenya: $6.7B
… (including Zambia, Bangladesh, Nigeria, South Africa, Brazil, Argentina)