(Yicai Global) March 16 -- China’s holdings of US Treasury bonds declined to the lowest in nearly 13 years in January after falling for six straight months.

China cut its holdings of US government debt by USD7.7 billion to USD859.4 billion in January from the previous month, the lowest since May 2010, data from the US Department of Treasury showed yesterday. The figure has remained below USD1 trillion for 10 months in a row.

Japan increased its holdings of US Treasuries by USD28.1 billion to USD1.1044 trillion, the highest since October, remaining the country’s top creditor, followed by China.

Foreign residents raised their holdings of long-term US securities in January, with purchasing a net USD31.7 billion. Foreign private investors bought a net USD85 billion, while foreign institutions sold a net USD53.3 billion.

US residents cut their holdings of long-term foreign securities in the month, with net sales reaching USD100 million.

Editor: Futura Costaglione