An editorial published this week by Japanese business newspaper Nikkei Asian Review warns that China could soon restrict capital outflow - including that via outbound tourism - in order to control depletion of its FOREX reserves by overseas commodity buying.

Being able to retain US Treasury Bonds - and thus economic leverage over the USA - may also be a motive for the Chinese government.

Developing countries that depend on Chinese investment and spending are expected to be hurt most by any restrictions on capital outflow.