China has frequently been accused of having negative institutional impacts on host countries through outward foreign direct investment (OFDI). This study argues that Chinese OFDI does not have the ability nor the wiliness to impact the host country’s institutions. It examines the hypotheses using panel data covering 161 countries over the period 2005–2020 and applies difference GMM regression techniques. The findings show that, first, Chinese OFDI has no significant institutional effects; second, there is no clear evidence shows the BRI has an impact on the institutional effects of Chinese OFDI. Further heterogeneity analysis supports these findings.

International student education in China is an important aspect of the Belt and Road Initiative (bri) construction, as well as a beginning point for enhancing the internationalization level of education. China has become the world’s top ten recipients of international students, and its worldwide influence on education is increasing. This research investigates the factors that influence the scale of international students in China and the impact of the bri on education by employing the “Push-Pull Theory”. In particular, we find that joining the bri will significantly increase a country’s student scale in China, both for degree and non-degree education. This effect is especially noticeable in the African region, as well as in middle- and low-income countries. These empirical findings support policy implications for international student education in China.