The Republic's top teams spent even more this year than last, with Oscar and Carlos Tevez among the most high-profile new arrivals
Chinese Super League clubs are the biggest spenders of 2017 so far, having splashed a staggering £333.54 million (€392.4m) on players during the winter transfer window.
The Premier League's finest had topped the standings at the end of deadline day in England, on January 31, with £220.19m (€259.05) having been spent on new talent.
However, the CSL window remained open until Tuesday, February 28, allowing China's top teams to surge clear thanks to a succession of high-profile deals.