The Ministry of Finance said on Friday that China will issue 26 billion yuan (US$3.7 billion) worth of three-year book-entry treasury bonds, with a fixed annual interest rate of 3.56 percent.

Interest would be calculated from April 14, when the issue starts, and paid annually. The principal would be returned at maturity, the ministry said in a statement.

The issue, which will end on April 17, is the fourth this year. The previous three issues totaled 85 billion yuan, the ministry said.

(Xinhua News Agency April 12, 2008)