China’s foreign exchange reserves rose modestly in May 2026, signaling a continued buildup of the country’s external buffers. According to the latest data updated on 7 June 2026, reserves increased to $3.442 trillion, up from $3.411 trillion in April 2026.
The $31 billion month-on-month increase underscores China’s position as the world’s largest holder of FX reserves and may reflect valuation effects as well as ongoing efforts to maintain financial stability. The steady rise from April to May highlights the resilience of China’s external accounts during the period, with policymakers retaining significant capacity to manage currency and capital market fluctuations.
