The Chinese government on Friday approved a $1.4 trillion plan to revive the economy, authorizing local governments to refinance crushing debts that have left some cities unable to pay their bills. The move caps a series of steps that China’s leaders started rolling out in September to stimulate growth.

China top legislative body approved a bill on Friday to allow local governments to issue 6 trillion yuan ($838.8 billion) in bonds to swap for off-balance sheet or "hidden" debt over three years, as policymakers sought to spur the sluggish economy.

Friday's announcement is the latest in a string of stimulus measures China has taken to turn around its ailing economy.

China kicked off a fresh round of fiscal support on Friday for its sputtering economy with a package that eases debt repayment strains for local governments, with Finance Minister Lan Foan signalling further stimulus in the pipeline.

China unveiled a 10 trillion yuan ($1.4 trillion) program to help resolve its local government debt crisis, as authorities moved to shore up a slowing economy facing fresh risks from the reelection of Donald Trump.