🌆 Where to Set Up in China

SAFE Releases Data on China's Foreign Exchange Reserve at the End of August 2026

China's foreign exchange reserves stood at USD 3,438.3 billion at the end of August 2026, up USD 19.5 billion (0.57%) from the end of July. SAFE attributed the increase mainly to a weaker US dollar and mixed global asset prices, which raised the translated value of reserves rather than reflecting new capital inflows. The release is a monthly statistical update with no new rules or obligations — it is a sentiment signal on currency stability and cross-border capital flows, not a policy change.

Notice of the PBOC, NFRA and CSRC on Issuing the Green Finance Endorsed Project Catalogue (2025 Edition)

China's central bank and financial regulators have issued a single unified catalogue that defines which projects count as "green" for green loans, green bonds and other green financial products. The 2025 Edition replaces the previously separate green bond catalogue (2021) and builds on the 2024 Green and Low-Carbon Transition Industry Catalogue, so banks, bond issuers and asset managers now use one common list instead of several. It matters because eligibility for green labelling, preferential funding and disclosure obligations now hinges on one standard, and older deals are given a transition window so they are not disrupted.

PBOC Holds Meetings in Sichuan and Shaanxi to Advance Payment Service Optimization

The People's Bank of China held meetings in Chengdu and Xi'an on June 13–14, 2024, to push forward the optimization of payment services in Sichuan and Shaanxi. Officials urged local branches, government departments, and financial institutions to improve bank card acceptance, cash payment, mobile payment, and account services, especially at airports, tourist sites, and high-speed rail stations. The focus is on making payments easier and more convenient for elderly residents and overseas visitors to China. No new binding rules were issued — this is a coordination and mobilization meeting rather than an enforceable regulation.

PBOC, MEE, NFRA and CSRC Issue Opinions on Leveraging Green Finance to Support the Beautiful China Initiative

China's central bank and three other regulators jointly issued Opinions that set out 19 measures to channel green finance into the 'Beautiful China' environmental agenda. The document directs banks, insurers, securities firms and fund managers to expand green credit, green bonds, green insurance, carbon-market and EOD financing, and to build a dedicated project library of landmark environmental projects. It is framework guidance rather than binding new rules — it creates coordination, standard-setting and evaluation mechanisms, so the practical impact will come through follow-on implementing documents from PBOC, MEE, NFRA and CSRC.

SAFE Releases Selected Data on Transactions in the Chinese Foreign Exchange Market in August 2026

SAFE published monthly statistics showing China's foreign exchange market handled RMB 26.28 trillion (about USD 3.87 trillion) in transactions during August 2026. The interbank market accounted for RMB 21.99 trillion of that, while client market transactions were RMB 4.30 trillion, and derivatives (RMB 18.62 trillion) far outpaced spot trading (RMB 7.66 trillion). For January–August 2026 combined, total FX market turnover reached RMB 207.46 trillion (USD 30.21 trillion). This is a data disclosure rather than a new rule, so it matters mainly as a gauge of currency-market activity and cross-border capital flows.

Chinese vice premier urges strengthening of advanced manufacturing

A Chinese vice premier used an inspection tour in Jilin Province to signal that Beijing will keep prioritizing advanced manufacturing, industrial-chain self-reliance, and the modernization of traditional industries. The remarks emphasize merging scientific research with industrial production, promoting smart and green manufacturing, and building domestic capability in research instruments, standards, and testing. No new rules, obligations, or deadlines were announced — this is a policy direction signal that previews future implementing documents.