China U.S. Treasury Holdings Decline For 3rd Month

The number is still $268 billion higher than Treasury's estimate one month ago.  This revision should not be a surprise to Bail readers, as we reported the rumors last month that have now proven to be true.

• China buying U.S. debt through London accounts.

Here are the new numbers from the official source:

• Treasury - Updated Foreign Holdings of U.S. Debt

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Source - AFP

WASHINGTON (AFP) – China's holding's of US debt fell for the third month in January, while buying from Japan and Britain picked up, the Treasury Department said Tuesday.

Chinese holdings of Treasury securities fell $5.4 billion, or less than half a percent, to $1.15 trillion in January from December.

January's level was $20.6 billion lower than the peak of $1.175 trillion in October.

China's holdings are keenly watched as a sharp turn away from US bonds by their biggest foreign buyer could send US debt costs skyrocketing.

Moreover, leaked diplomatic cables in February vividly showed China's willingness to translate its massive holdings of US debt into political influence on issues ranging from Taiwan's sovereignty to Washington's financial policy.

Japan was a distant second among foreign holders of US debt, with $886 billion, the Treasury figures showed.

Overall foreigners made net purchases of US long term debt in January to the tune of $51.5 billion, lower than the $55 billion expected by analysts.

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From last week:

U.S. Owes 30% MORE To China Than Thought

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Further reading...

• China Central Bank Loses $430B On Treasuries

• Fed Surpasses China In U.S. Treasury Holdings

• China Treasury Archives

Comments

[Wil]

I pledge allegiance, to the Banks, of the Fascist States of America
and to the Oligarchy, for which they stand
one nation, under Globalization
with credit and debt service for all

[ain't bullshitt'n]

dolla dolla dolla' bills ya'll.............we got em' 4 sale...Who's in?