HSBC has replenished capital to its flagship bank in China to help it expand further in the world's second-biggest economy and cement its commitment to the important market.

HSBC Bank (China) Co yesterday said its parent company, the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp, has injected 2.8 billion yuan (US$444 million) to boost HSBC China's registered capital to 10.8 billion yuan. HSBC China now boasts the biggest capital base of all foreign banks on the Chinese mainland, which will help HSBC to build further on its leadership in the world's fastest-growing major economy.

The capital injection also reaffirms the HSBC's long-term commitment to the strategically important China market, the bank said.

"China's rapid wealth creation and its increasing role in global trade and capital links are opening huge market potential, and the new capital will position us strongly for further growth through these opportunities," the bank said.

In May, HSBC stressed it will invest in markets with strategic relevance and high returns.