BHP Billiton Ltd clarified that it is unaware of any move by Chinese interests to spend over USD 20 billion for a stake in BHPB.

Responding to a stock exchange query, BHP said that the only factor of which it was aware that could be influencing a recent rise in its share price were favorable coal price settlements.

It said that "BHP Billiton is not aware of a proposed acquisition by Chinese authorities of a substantial stake in BHP Billiton.

The rumor was sparked by a media report that Chinese interests were preparing to shell out more than USD 20 billion to take more than a 10% stake in BHP Billiton.