China issues first overseas RMB-denominated sovereign green bond in London

China issued its first-ever overseas RMB-denominated sovereign green bond in London on Wednesday, China's Ministry of Finance said on Thursday.

The deal totals 6 billion yuan (about 833.33 million U.S. dollars), including 3 billion yuan for a three-year term with an interest rate of 1.88 percent, and 3 billion yuan for a five-year term at an interest rate of 1.93 percent. Both rates are lower than the yields on comparable treasury bonds in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region secondary market.

Notably, the London offering spurred strong demand from international investors -- drawing a diverse range of participants across various regions. Total subscriptions hit 41.58 billion yuan, 6.9 times the issuance value.

"This is a green development. So that means, you know, the international investors have a huge confidence about the sustainable development of China, both in the green development and also digital transformation," said Liao Min, China's vice minister of finance, who attended the bond's launch ceremony held at the London Stock Exchange.

China is the world's biggest producer of green technology. So it makes sense to invest in that space.

The bonds could also offer some stability for markets on edge after U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff announcement.

"We need signals that the financial markets are functioning well. And we need also signals and clear signs that, you know, sustainable finance continues to be well supported by the international financial community," said Bryan Pascoe, chief executive of the International Capital Market Association.

China issues first overseas RMB-denominated sovereign green bond in London

China issues first overseas RMB-denominated sovereign green bond in London

China issues first overseas RMB-denominated sovereign green bond in London

China issues first overseas RMB-denominated sovereign green bond in London

China issues first overseas RMB-denominated sovereign green bond in London

China's Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao outlined the key priorities of the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting, which opened on Friday in Suzhou, East China's Jiangsu province.

In an interview with CGTN ahead of the two-day meeting, Wang said free trade, digital cooperation and green economy are high on the agenda of the meeting.

"The key areas include advancing regional economic integration and the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific, supporting the World Trade Organization (WTO) in strengthening digital cooperation and developing green economy. At present, the international situation is marked by intertwined turbulence and chaos, with intensified geopolitical instability. The rise of unilateralism and protectionism poses serious challenges to the international economic and trade order, disrupting global and Asia-Pacific development. Against this backdrop, all parties have higher expectations for this trade ministers' meeting, hoping that it can build consensus and deliver outcomes," Wang said.

This year marks China's third time hosting the APEC meetings and the 35th anniversary of its membership.

By 2025, China had become the largest trading partner of 13 APEC economies. Trade between China and APEC economies reached 3.7 trillion U.S. dollars, accounting for 57.8 percent of China's total foreign trade.

China has signed 24 free trade agreements or economic and trade arrangements with 31 countries and regions, including 15 APEC economies. In recent years, China has also completed upgrades of free trade agreements with APEC economies such as Singapore and Peru.

The minister said that China has always been a firm supporter and an important contributor to APEC.

"We have actively shared our vast market and development opportunities with all parties. China's door to the world will only open wider and wider. Facing the common challenges, China will continue to fulfill its responsibilities as a major country, further deepen reform, expand high-standard opening-up, and continue to provide new opportunities for the Asia-Pacific region and the world with its new achievements in Chinese modernization," the minister said.

China's Commerce Minister outlines priorities for 32nd APEC trade ministers' meeting