中国财长：地方政府债务风险逐步收敛

Core Viewpoint - China has implemented a series of debt reduction measures that are showing positive results, with a focus on managing local government debt risks and promoting economic development [1][2]. Group 1: Debt Management and Issuance - As of the end of August this year, China has issued 4 trillion yuan of the 6 trillion yuan special debt limit introduced last year, with an average interest cost reduction of over 2.5 percentage points, saving more than 450 billion yuan in interest payments [1]. - In 2023, a total of 2.78 trillion yuan of new local government special bonds have been issued, with 800 billion yuan allocated to support local debt reduction efforts [1]. - The total government debt in China is projected to reach 92.6 trillion yuan by the end of 2024, with a government debt ratio of 68.7%, which is considered reasonable compared to G20 and G7 averages [1]. Group 2: Economic Development and Risk Management - The debt reduction strategy aims to free up financial resources for addressing economic development challenges, with over 60% of financing platforms expected to exit by mid-2025, indicating a significant reduction in hidden debts [2]. - The government plans to enhance debt management mechanisms aligned with high-quality development, including stricter limits on local government debt and improved transparency in debt information [2]. - There will be a focus on optimizing bond issuance scale and structure, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to major projects, while maintaining a strict regulatory environment to prevent the emergence of new hidden debts [2].