China plans to issue special sovereign bonds worth about 2 trillion yuan ($284.43 billion) this year as part of a fresh fiscal stimulus, said two sources with knowledge of the matter, adding to a string of measures to battle strong deflationary pressures and faltering economic growth.
As part of the package, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) plans to issue 1 trillion yuan of special sovereign debt primarily to stimulate consumption amid growing concerns about a stuttering post-COVID economic recovery, said the sources.
China also aims to raise another 1 trillion yuan via a separate special sovereign debt issuance and plans to use the proceeds to help local governments tackle their debt problems, the source added.
Most of China's fiscal stimulus still goes into investment, but returns are dwindling and the spending has saddled local governments with $13 trillion in debt.
China's State Council Information Office, which handles media queries on behalf of the government, and the MOF did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Organizations:
Ministry of Finance, Information Office
Locations:
China