Although the main issuers of debt instruments are the Government and quasi-government entities, corporations are increasingly tapping the bond market. Supranational entities may raise yuan funds, subject to certain restrictions.

The Ministry of Finance (MOF) and the People’s Bank of China (PBC) are the primary issuers of government bonds. The People Republic of China's (PRC) policy banks, commercial banks, and other financial institutions issue financial bonds. The PRC’s policy banks are the China Development Bank, Export–Import Bank of China, and Agricultural Development Bank. The current economic stimulus program provides for a significantly-expanded volume of new bond issuance by state-owned enterprises (SOEs).

Corporations such as China Mobile, Three Gorges, State Grid Corporation, and Shanghai Baosteel Group are some of the major domestic corporate bond issuers listed on both the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges. Prior to 2008, corporate bond issues in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) had been limited to state-owned enterprises (SOEs) due to National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) rules on bond issuance, which required bank guarantees for corporate issues.

In 2008, the relaxation of rules on the issuance of corporate Medium-Term Notes, which do not require NDRC approval or bank guarantees, led to a rise in corporate issuance. This development potentially could lead to growth of the market for non-state corporate issues. Medium-term notes were initially launched in April 2008, but issuance was suspended shortly thereafter over regulatory concerns. Medium-Term Note issuance resumed in October 2008. Outstanding issues as of November 2008 stood at CNY120 billion.

Supranational banks such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) are permitted to issue CNY-denominated bonds, although such issues must comply with strict regulatory requirements.