China has recently unveiled a substantial initiative worth 10 trillion yuan ($1.4 trillion) to refinance local government debt. This measure is part of a broader strategy to support the country's slowing economy and address potential risks associated with the potential reelection of Donald Trump.
The program will raise the debt ceiling for local governments to 35.52 trillion yuan, allowing for the issuance of an additional six trillion yuan in special bonds over the next three years to tackle hidden debt. Moreover, local governments will have access to an additional 4 trillion yuan in new special local bond quotas over a five-year period, serving the same purpose of debt-swapping.
This action demonstrates Beijing's commitment to strengthening financial stability at the local level while navigating challenges arising from both domestic economic conditions and international political developments.