(Yicai Global) Feb. 17 - China's central bank has issued CNY200 billion (USD28.6 billion) in medium-term lending facility loans today with a rate slashed by 10 basis points to 3.15 percent, which is expected to signal a loan prime rate reduction on Feb. 20. Both moves should add liquidity to the banking system.

The People's Bank of China introduced LPR last October to channel more funds to the real economy.

Editor: Emmi Laine