China's foreign exchange market has remained relatively stable this year despite heightened global financial volatility, a senior official said on Tuesday, citing official data.
Li Bin, deputy director and spokesperson of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE), said the renminbi (RMB) exchange rate has experienced two-way fluctuations in line with market dynamics.
As of Monday, the onshore RMB spot exchange rate against the U.S. dollar stood at 7.288, appreciating by 0.1 percent from the end of 2024. The two-way fluctuation of the RMB exchange rate is a normal market movement, which also reflects the support provided by underlying economic fundamentals, he said.
In terms of foreign exchange transactions, Li noted that cross-border capital flows continued to show a net inflow.
In the first quarter of 2025, China's non-bank sectors—including enterprises and individuals—recorded a net capital inflow of 51.7 billion U.S. dollars, a level SAFE described as relatively high compared to recent years. The trend extended into April, with commercial banks reporting a modest surplus in foreign exchange settlements.
Trade in goods also played a major role in bolstering capital inflows. The country's net inflow of cross-border capital from the trade of goods totaled 206.3 billion U.S. dollars, representing a 120 percent year-on-year increase.
Foreign investors also ramped up their holdings of domestic bonds, with net purchases totaling 26.9 billion U.S. dollars in February and March — an 84 percent increase from the same period last year. The trend persisted in April, with net inflows reaching 33.2 billion U.S. dollars between April 1 and 18.
Looking ahead, Li said that while external uncertainties remain, China's proactive macroeconomic policies will continue to underpin the country's economic resilience and provide a solid foundation for the stability of the foreign exchange market.
China's FX market remains stable amid global volatility: official
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
