China central bank says will restrict gold trade according to demand

"The People's Bank of China can carry out restrictions of gold and gold product imports and exports in accordance with national macroeconomic adjustments in demand," the bank said in new trade regulations published on its website (www.pbc.gov.cn).

It also said that firms engaging in gold imports and exports bear a responsibility to maintain a balance in supply and demand on the domestic market, and trades need to be registered with gold exchanges approved by the State Council, China's cabinet.

(Reporting by David Stanway; Editing by Richard Pullin)