China widens clean-energy investment lead as supply-chain dominance raises security risks

China accounted for more than half of the $1.1 trillion invested globally in clean energy from 2019 through 2025, outspending the rest of the world combined, according to Atlas Public Policy data cited in a May 2026 report. Chinese companies invested more than $500 billion over the period, compared with $236 billion received by the United States. Only 40% of U.S. clean-energy investment came from domestic companies, underscoring reliance on foreign direct investment in manufacturing, the report said. About $136 billion of China’s investment funded clean-tech factories overseas, a strategy analysts said could help Chinese firms enter new markets and avoid trade barriers. The figures highlight Beijing’s expanding control over solar, wind, battery and electric-vehicle supply chains, raising concerns over energy security and geopolitical leverage as countries accelerate renewable deployment amid energy-price volatility.