The True Story On Chinese Bond Purchases

Derek Scissors / April 13, 2009

The New York Times today both informs and misleads on China’s role in the American economy. The Times headline warns, “China Slows Purchases of U.S. and Other Bonds.” That may well be true, but it isn’t supported in the story that follows.

The story actually cites slower growth in the PRC’s holdings of foreign currency, including dollars. China’s reserves fell $33 billion in January, before rebounding strongly in March. That’s an interesting development but it doesn’t bear directly on the U.S. As an illustration, the PRC’s holdings of Treasuries climbed $12 billion in January. The Times headline is close to being irresponsible. (more…)