Abstract Based on listed firm data from 2010 to 2021, this study employs the entropy weight-Topsis method to quantitatively measure the level of digital infrastructure in host countries and investigates its impact on the scale of cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&A) by Chinese enterprises. There are following findings: (1) The host country’s digital infrastructure has significantly enhanced the scale of cross-border M&A of China enterprises and become a new location advantage to attract China’s cross-border M&A. (2) Mechanism analysis shows that the host country’s digital infrastructure plays an enhancing role by expanding information access and stabilizing supply relationships. (3) Further analysis indicates that regarding M&A motives, the innovation capacity and experience of “ self-driven ” enterprises significantly enhance the positive effects of mergers and acquisitions on the digital infrastructure of the host country. In terms of M&A locations, Chinese enterprises show a preference for shifting their cross-border mergers and acquisitions from “ digital deserts ” to “ digital oases ”. As for M&A strategies, compared to “ exploitative ” mergers and acquisitions, “ exploratory ” strategies are better suited to the demands of the digital competitive environment. The conclusions provide new insights into the theoretical framework of location advantages for multinational enterprises, and offer practical implications for optimizing the geographic distribution of Chinese investments in the digital era.