US faults China over opaque overseas lending, warns of emerging-market debt risks

The United States has stepped up scrutiny of China’s overseas lending, warning that the lack of transparency surrounding Chinese loans could increase the risk of unexpected defaults and debt restructuring in emerging markets. In its 2026 Fiscal Transparency Report released on Tuesday, the US State Department said China had failed to meet its minimum transparency requirements, citing deficiencies in both its domestic finances and the disclosure of claims against foreign borrowers. “China’s…