China’s financial playbook just got a major update with its latest move: issuing ultra-long-term special treasury bonds stretching up to 50 years. Think of it like the government-level version of a 50-year mortgage – but for national development!
Why This Matters Now
While China has issued special bonds before (1998, 2007, 2020), this round breaks records with maturities rarely seen. Over 2 trillion yuan ($277B) in existing long-term debt? That’s pocket change compared to what’s coming. The 2020 pandemic bonds mostly lasted ≤10 years – these new ones are marathon runners .
The 3 Big Upgrades
Time Travel: Bonds now span 30-50 years, easing short-term repayment pressure.
Debt Diet: Swapping high-interest local debt for cheaper national bonds.
Future-Proofing: Funding tech innovation and green energy transitions.
Zhu Fangfei, a policy researcher at Zhejiang University, notes this isn’t just about cash – it’s a \"strategic shift\" to stabilize markets while prepping for AI and climate challenges. For global investors? It’s a signal that China’s doubling down on long-term stability .
Reference(s):
cgtn.com