Part 4/10:
In the first quarter of 2024 alone, China added over 15 tons of gold to its reserves, contributing to a notable 12% rise in gold prices for the year. Analysts like Brad Setser from the Council on Foreign Relations outline that this shift is not solely financial but is also rooted in geopolitical considerations, as maintaining significant wealth in an asset controlled by a rival is perceived as risky. Consequently, China's strategic adjustment occurs amid rising U.S. budget deficits and the Federal Reserve's tapering of government debt holdings.