China to Inject $142 Billion into Top Banks Amid Economic Struggles

China is planning a major financial move, injecting 1 trillion yuan ($142 billion) into its largest state-owned banks to boost lending capacity and support the weakening economy. The initiative comes in response to increasing challenges such as rising bad debts, low profit margins, and a struggling real estate market. Major banks like the Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd. and Bank of China Ltd. are under pressure to provide loans to high-risk sectors, including real estate developers and local governments, both of which are facing significant financial difficulties.

To finance this injection, China is likely to issue special sovereign bonds. This marks the first time since the 2008 global financial crisis that the country has taken such a bold step. Back then, a similar move helped stabilize the economy and banking sector. Now, as economic growth slows, this fresh capital aims to ensure that banks can continue lending without compromising their financial health, offering a buffer against rising bad debts and shrinking profit margins.