China's Ministry of Finance said the Central Government will adhere to the principle of non-salvage and dispel the "illusion" of local governments and financial institutions that the Central Government would pay the local governments’ debts. As of the end of 2016, the balance of government debt within the statutory limits nationwide was RMB 27.33 trillion, with a debt-to-debt ratio of 36.7%; the local government debt balance was RMB 15.32 trillion and the debt ratio (debt balance / comprehensive financial resources) being 80.5% . The Ministry of Finance said that some local party and government leaders and cadres do not have the correct performance-based concept and there are excessive debts to reach the "achievement results". The Central Government will stick to the principle of not salvaging, and dispel the "illusion" of local governments and financial institutions that the Central Government would “pay the bills”.