The State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) recently released data on China’s external debt as of the end of June 2023. Wang Chunying, SAFE’s Deputy Administrator and Press Spokesperson, addressed media questions regarding this matter.

Q: Could you brief us on China’s external debt in the second quarter of 2023?

A: In the second quarter of 2023, China’s external debt scale decreased, while its structure remained relatively stable. As of the end of June 2023, the total outstanding external debt (comprising domestic and foreign currencies) stood at USD 2433.8 billion. This marked a decrease of USD 57.1 billion, equivalent to a 2% decline from the end of March 2023. With respect to currency structures, the outstanding external debt denominated in domestic currency constituted 44% of China’s total external debt, representing a 1 percentage point decrease from the end of March 2023. In terms of maturity structure, medium- and long-term external debt made up 44%, unchanged from the end of March 2023.

Q: What would you say about China’s external debt situation?

A: The decline in external debt was mainly due to the factor of exchange rate translation. In the second quarter of 2023, the decrease of USD 54.5 billion in external debt was predominantly driven by exchange rate translation, accounting for approximately 95% of the decline in outstanding foreign debt.

China’s external debt level is expected to exhibit stability. With major developed economies nearing the conclusion of their monetary policy tightening cycles, a reduction in spillover effects is anticipated. China’s economy retains its resilience, substantial potential, and vitality, and its robust long-term economic fundamentals remain intact. As the effects of macroeconomic policies materialize, the domestic economy is foreseen to maintain its positive recovery trajectory. The foundation for maintaining a stable external debt scale remains strong.