But analysts expect the premium to drop as the United States embarks on renewed economic stimulus and as Chinese authorities pledge to continue supporting the economy with ample liquidity.
"We expect the PBOC to ease the tight liquidity situation in the next couple of weeks and interbank rates to return to more desirable levels," Nomura analysts said in a note.
Across the Tasman, the Kiwi dollar was trading 0.39% higher at $0.7218, after the jobless rate dropped unexpectedly to 4.9% from 5.3%, dampening prospects for further central bank rate cuts.
Traders said the yuan and the dollar index remained range-bound for the time being, but the dollar could strengthen as the implementation of US stimulus boosts activity in the world's largest economy.
The Thomson Reuters/HKEX Global CNH index, which tracks the offshore yuan against a basket of currencies on a daily basis, stood at 95.96, firmer than the previous day's 95.86.
Separately, traders were awaiting comments later from US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, who is likely to renew a commitment to ultra-easy policy. His remarks could affect the dollar and other currencies.