China cut its US treasury holdings to the lowest level in almost two years. The nation’s holdings of US notes, bills and bonds declined by $7.5bn in April to $1.11tr, according to data released by the US Treasury Department on Monday.
That said, China remains the largest holder of US treasuries. Japan comes second, holding $1.064tr in April.
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China will publish shortened foreign investment negative list by the end of June, Gao Feng, a spokesperson of the MoC, said on Thursday.
The resolution to shorten the negative lists was first mentioned in the March Boao Forum by Chinese premier Li Keqiang.
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On Wednesday, BOC (UK) joined the London Clearing House’s SwapClear service as its first clearing member from a Chinese banking group.
BOC now has access to the clearing of interest rate derivatives at the London Clearing House. The bank will also offer clearing services to its client base.
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Hong Kong suspended the China extradition bill after the June 16 protest in the city. Carrie Lam, the region’s chief executive, indefinitely delayed the proposed law which allows criminals to be extradited to mainland China and other countries.
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The China Securities Regulatory Commission and its UK counterpart, the Financial Conduct Authority, issued a joint announcement on Monday to support the Shanghai-London Stock Connect scheme.
Most importantly, the statement set quotas for eastbound and westbound investments for the scheme. Eastbound trading, referring to London-listed companies issuing and listing Chinese depositary receipts on the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE), is subject to a Rmb250bn ($36.5bn) trading quota ceiling. Westbound trading, referring to Shanghai-listed companies issuing and listing global depositary receipts on the London Stock Exchange, has a Rmb300bn quota.
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Shanghai Stock Exchange opened a branch in London on Monday.
The main duties of the London-based branch, according to an official statement, is to promote the internationalisation of the Chinese capital markets, conduct international market research, and provide strategies for the Shanghai Stock Exchange to go global.