US–China Trade War and FDI Flows to Developing Countries: A Systematic Literature Review Using Bibliometric Analysis

Purpose: This study investigates scholarly trends concerning the impact of the US–China trade war on foreign direct investment (FDI) flows to developing economies, with a focus on Southeast Asia. Design/methodology/approach: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using data retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science (WoS). Keywords such as “US–China Trade War” and “Foreign Direct Investment” guided the literature selection. VOSviewer and RStudio were utilised to generate co-authorship and co-occurrence network maps, identifying key research areas and thematic evolution. Findings: The analysis reveals a significant shift in FDI flows from China to developing countries, notably in Southeast Asia. Dominant themes include “regional economic integration,” “policy adjustments,” and “global supply chains.” Emerging topics highlight “strategic responses of multinational corporations” and “technology transfer” in response to ongoing trade tensions. Research limitations/implications: The study is limited to publications indexed in Scopus and WoS, potentially excluding relevant works in other databases or languages. Practical implications: The findings provide a knowledge base for policymakers and businesses in developing economies to understand the strategic redistribution of FDI amid trade disputes. Social implications: Shifts in FDI influence employment, industrial development, and regional competitiveness, particularly in Southeast Asia. Originality/value: This is one of the first bibliometric studies to systematically map academic discourse on the US–China trade war’s impact on FDI in developing countries, offering insights into evolving research priorities and economic realignments.