China remains the largest foreign creditor of the United States after it increased its holdings of US treasury bonds by $19.7 billion in December, data released by the US Treasury Department showed on Friday.

December was the third-consecutive month in which China increased its holdings of US Treasury securities.

A total of $1.202 trillion in US treasury bonds were held by China at the end of 2012, compared with the $1.183 trillion in November, and the $1.151 trillion at the end of 2011.

Japan, the US' second-largest creditor, also increased its holdings of US treasury bonds to $1.12 trillion in December.

At the end of December, US treasury bonds held by major foreign creditors totaled $5.56 trillion, higher than the $5.54 trillion in November, and an increase for the 12th consecutive month.

Related Readings

China increases holdings of US debt

China remains top holder of US Treasuries

Japan moves closer to China in holding of US Treasuries

Rise in US Treasury position 'due to eurozone worries'