China unveils 6 trillion yuan stimulus plan to tackle local debt but stocks decline
China's government has announced a new fiscal stimulus package worth 6 trillion yuan ($840 billion) to help local governments manage hidden debt. This plan will be implemented by the end of 2026 and aims to reduce local debt significantly. The package includes 2 trillion yuan annually for local authorities and 800 billion yuan in special bonds each year. This is part of a strategy to lower local hidden debt from 14.3 trillion yuan to 2.3 trillion yuan by 2028. Despite the announcement, U.S.-listed Chinese stocks fell as investors expected a larger stimulus. The new measures come amid ongoing economic challenges, including a struggling real estate market and reduced local government revenues.