China to U.S.: Shore up your financial sector, or else


Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's comments on Friday were blunt and pointed. In effect, the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve absolutely must assure China on the safety of its investment in the United States. If we read between the lines, Mr. Wen told the U.S. that it must shore up its financial mess and that China will not stand for any more uncertainty in the U.S. banking sector.

The Chinese government is the largest holder of U.S. public debt. Officials in China are becoming increasingly concerned about the sharp increase in U.S. government spending. They worry it will lead to inflation and the collapse of the U.S. dollar.

Mr. Wen said directly: "We have a huge amount of money in the United States. Of course we are concerned about the safety of our assets." Such was the force of Mr. Wen's words that President Obama publicly sought to allay China's fears.

In other matters, Mr. Wen pledged to go beyond the $584 billion dollar stimulus put in place earlier this year. Mr. Wen said that "China has contingency plans to handle greater difficulties." China has pledged 8% economic growth this year. The government said it will run a 3% budget deficit this year to finance stimulus measures.

Finally, Mr. Wen resisted the notion that China make larger contributions to the International Monetary Fund.

What are your thoughts on this matter?

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