Development Stages of Special Bonds - Special bonds have undergone four main stages since their inception in 2015: exploration (2015-2018), innovation and expansion (2019-2021), transformation and regulation (2022-2024), and optimization and improvement (from late 2024) [3][4][6][18]. - In the innovation and expansion phase (2019-2021), the issuance of special bonds rapidly increased, with new quotas rising from CNY 1.35 trillion in 2018 to CNY 3.75 trillion in 2020 [25][26]. Current Characteristics and Usage - As of 2024, 40.5% of special bonds were allocated for new project construction, while 40.4% were used for debt replacement, and 19.2% for repaying maturing bonds [7]. - The proportion of special bonds used as project capital has been increasing, reaching 9.8% in 2024, with a policy cap of 30% [7]. Challenges and Issues - Special bonds have faced issues such as unclear positioning, with projects lacking revenue being funded by general debt, while high-revenue projects are left to market mechanisms [9]. - The allocation of special bond quotas often reflects the distribution of hidden debts rather than efficiency, which undermines the intended positive incentives [9]. Recommendations for Improvement - It is recommended to clarify the positioning of special bonds to ensure they are used for projects that can cover their own costs, thus preventing pressure on general public budgets [13]. - The distribution of quotas should prioritize high-quality projects in regions with population inflows and strong industrial bases, while using general debt for areas with declining populations [13].