Japan Ranks 10th Among The 16 Countries With The Highest Number Of Chinese Residents

According to Bloomberg's report on the 2nd, historically, many Chinese immigrants have moved to countries such as North America and Australia. However, after the COVID-19 pandemic, an unprecedented wave of immigration to new countries has begun again. The investment information website Insider Monkey recently conducted a study on the 16 countries with the highest number of Chinese residents worldwide.

Insider Monkey researched immigration records from various countries, compiled the total number of Chinese residents, including high net worth immigrants, and foreign nationals working for companies and government agencies, providing explanations for each category. Among the top 16, Japan ranks 10th, followed by European countries like the United Kingdom and France, as well as Brazil in South America. An unexpected country has also topped the list.

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5th place: Canada = 1,799,195 people

Canada is one of the countries with the highest number of Chinese immigrants. In 2018, it welcomed 81,500 Chinese students. Investment between China and Canada has rapidly increased, with China's direct investment reaching $17 billion (approximately ¥2.55 trillion) by 2018. Chinese multinational corporations in Canada contributed $14.8 billion in sales in 2017 and employed around 23,000 Canadians.

Despite the continued deterioration of relations between the two countries since Canadian authorities arrested the vice-chairperson of Huawei on fraud charges at the request of the United States in 2018, Canada's exports to China totaled ¥21.9 billion in the third quarter of 2023. Investment and securities have increased, reaching $500 million (approximately ¥32.949 trillion).

4th place: Indonesia = 2,832,510 people

Economic growth, partnerships, and the demand for skilled labor have made Indonesia increasingly popular among Chinese businesses and investors. Direct investment from China reached $8.23 billion (approximately ¥1.2354 trillion) in 2022.

Indonesia's large population and growing consumer spending make it an attractive market. Chinese companies have made significant investments in manufacturing, construction, energy, technology, and electric vehicles, forming complete industrial chains. Indonesia aims to increase exports to China while providing investment opportunities for China through the move to Borneo project.

3rd place: United States = 5,025,817 people

The United States boasts over 5 million Chinese residents, constituting 5% of all immigrants, with concentrations in states like California and New York. They come to the U.S. for education and employment, often holding work or investor visas.

Meanwhile, approximately 16% of foreign nationals residing in China are Americans, whereas 28% of foreign nationals residing in the United States are Chinese.

The United States is a primary destination for Chinese investors. In 2018, nearly half of the investor green cards (permanent residency) were issued to Chinese citizens.

2nd place: Malaysia = 6,884,800 people

With the Long-Term Residency Visa under Malaysia's Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program promoted by the Malaysian government, an increasing number of Chinese people are choosing Malaysia as their destination. 30.5% of these visas are held by wealthy individuals from China.

Moreover, Malaysia has a significant ethnic Chinese population (22.8%), making it an important country for Chinese real estate investors.

Despite occasional tensions between the two countries, the Malaysian Chinese community holds a dominant position in the economy, with their share of equity doubling from 22.8% in 1969 to 45.5% in 1990. Even today, many of Malaysia's wealthiest individuals are of Chinese descent.

1st place: Thailand = approximately 9.3 million people

Thailand has seen a significant influx of Chinese residents, which has had a major impact on real estate and economic activities. Reasons for Thailand's popularity include business opportunities, cultural affinity, and investment potential.

Local concerns are growing about the influx of Chinese individuals causing a real estate boom and competing for affordable housing. 10.81% of apartment buyers are foreigners, with the majority being Chinese. Real estate prices in Bangkok's central business district are rising due to high-priced purchases by Chinese residents.

As of 2022, Thailand's population is 66 million, with one-seventh being Chinese.