China’s Ministry of Finance is planning to increase its holding in Bank of Communications (BoCom) when the bank issues new shares in order to replenish its capital base, state media reported. A source close to the ministry said that following regulatory approval for the new share issue, the Ministry of Finance would buy a stake but the size will not be decided until after March 31 when BoCom releases its annual results. The finance ministry currently hold a 26.48% stake in the bank. Recent reports indicate that HSBC, which has a 19.15% interest in BoCom, could sell its stake as it looks to buy shares in either China Construction Bank or Bank of China.