China has raised interest rates for the second time this year, as it continues efforts to cool its booming economy.
The central bank increased the main lending rate by 0.27% to 6.12%, in an effort to slow down a surge in construction and credit.
With the Chinese economy growing at 11.3% in the second quarter, Beijing is worried about a big rise in inflation.
The People's Bank of China also increased the main deposit interest rate by 0.27% to 2.52%.
Decade-high growth
"It's necessary to use interest rates as a lever to curb investment and demand for credit while mopping up liquidity," said the central bank.
The last increase in the lending rate, also by 0.27%, was in April.
China is keen to keep inflation in check, as it fears a big upsurge could spark a financial crisis.
Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao said recently that officials must "resolutely control" the surging investment boom.
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