美媒：中国停止抛售美债？美联储无奈让步，中国实际抛售额成谜

Core Viewpoint - Recent media claims suggest that China has "stopped selling US Treasury bonds," implying a significant victory in the financial arena, but this assertion is misleading as China continues to reduce its holdings of US debt [1][15]. Summary by Sections China's Holdings of US Treasury Bonds - As of February 18, 2025, China's holdings of US Treasury bonds have decreased to $759 billion, the lowest level since 2009 [2]. - From a peak of approximately $1.3 trillion in 2011, China has reduced its holdings by about $550 billion, a decline of over 40% [2]. - In 2024 alone, China sold off $57.3 billion in US Treasury bonds, with nine months of the year showing a reduction in holdings [4]. Reasons for Reducing Holdings - The reduction in US Treasury bonds is driven by several practical considerations: - Risk diversification is a key factor, as China seeks to allocate its foreign reserves of over $3 trillion across various assets, including European bonds and gold [5]. - Concerns over the weaponization of the dollar, particularly in light of US sanctions on Russia, have prompted a reevaluation of reliance on the dollar [5]. - The need to stabilize the yuan's exchange rate during periods of depreciation pressure has also influenced the decision to sell US bonds [5]. US Federal Reserve's Response - The characterization of the Federal Reserve's actions as "forced concessions" is exaggerated; the Fed is adjusting its monetary policy based on economic data [5][10]. - The Fed has been lowering interest rates, with the federal funds rate dropping from a high of 4.25-4.50% at the beginning of 2024 to a range of 4.00-4.25% [5]. - Internal disagreements within the Fed regarding the pace of rate cuts reflect a normal decision-making process rather than external pressures [7]. Market Dynamics - As of the end of 2024, the total US national debt exceeded $36 trillion, with foreign investors holding approximately 25.4% of this debt [8]. - Japan remains the largest foreign holder of US Treasury bonds, followed by the UK, which has surpassed China [8]. - The stability of the US Treasury market is primarily supported by domestic demand, indicating that foreign selling has a limited impact on overall market stability [8]. Implications for the Future - The US government's increasing financing needs, with net interest payments projected to exceed $1 trillion in the 2025 fiscal year, highlight the importance of attracting buyers for new debt issuances [9]. - While foreign investor reductions may exert some pressure on the US, the adjustments in the market are part of a normal regulatory process rather than a crisis [10]. - For China, reducing US Treasury holdings while increasing gold reserves enhances the safety and yield of its foreign reserves, contributing to the stability of the yuan [11]. - The global financial landscape is gradually diversifying, with a shift away from the dollar's dominance, although this change will be gradual [14].