">Forum Views ()
">Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
China 'worried' about US Treasury holdings
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
Yahoo! Search
Search:
Sign InNew User? Sign Up
News Home -
Help
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Australia
China
India
Indonesia
Japan
Malaysia
Philippines
Thailand
Vietnam
Search
Search:
China 'worried' about US Treasury holdings
By JOE McDONALD,AP Business Writer AP - Saturday, March 14
BEIJING - China's premier didn't say it in so many words, but the implied warning to Washington was blunt: Don't devalue the dollar through reckless spending. Premier Wen Jiabao's message is unlikely to be misunderstood at the White House. It is counting on Beijing to help pay for its stimulus package by buying U.S. bonds. China already is Washington's biggest foreign creditor, with an estimated $1 trillion in U.S. government debt. A weaker dollar would erode the value of those assets.
ADVERTISEMENT
"Of course we are concerned about the safety of our assets. To be honest, I'm a little bit worried," Wen said at a news conference Friday after the closing of China's annual legislative session. "I would like to call on the United States to honor its words, stay a credible nation and ensure the safety of Chinese assets."
The appeal suggested the outlines of Chinese President Hu Jintao's stance when he meets with President Barack Obama at an April 2 summit in London of the Group of 20 major economies on possible remedies for the global crisis.
Wen gave no indication whether Beijing wants changes in U.S. policy. But economists said his comments reflect fears that higher U.S. budget deficits from Washington's $787 billion stimulus package could drive down the dollar and the value of China's Treasury notes.
"China is telling the U.S. to be careful, not to overspend and keep an eye on the dollar," said Kelvin Lau, regional economist at Standard Chartered in Hong Kong. "There are risks that China cannot control, so they're depending on the U.S. to maintain fiscal prudence and keep the dollar reasonably stable."
In Washington, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs responded to Wen's concerns by saying the Chinese should rest assured because investments in the U.S. are the safest in the world.
Gibbs also said Congress can help by passing Obama's budget for next year, which promises to halve the deficit by the end of his term.
Analysts estimate China keeps nearly half of its $2 trillion in foreign currency reserves in U.S. Treasuries and notes issued by other government-affiliated agencies.
"Inside China there has been a lot of debate about whether they should continue to buy Treasuries," said Frank Gong, chief China economist for JP Morgan.
Beijing is trying to increase its leverage at the London G-20 meeting by reminding its partners of its role in financing U.S. spending, Gong said.
"Without China's buying (Treasuries) and continuing to fund U.S. deficit spending, interest rates could have been much higher. That could be very destabilizing in this very recessionary environment," he said. "By attracting a lot of attention to this issue, China is already increasing its influence ahead of the G-20 meeting."
Finance officials from the G-20 meet this weekend. U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner is pressing for a new coordinated global stimulus. Japan is supportive but European governments are reluctant to make expensive commitments before they see how current plans are working.
Wen also offered an unqualified defense Friday of his government's policies in Tibet, ignoring questions about a massive security buildup in the Himalayan region.
Tensions have spiked ahead of two key anniversaries this week _ the 50th anniversary of a failed Tibetan uprising that sent the Dalai Lama into exile and Saturday's one-year anniversary of violent anti-Chinese riots in Lhasa that sparked the largest protests in decades.
Asked whether the massive security presence pointed to failings in Beijing's policies, Wen said: "The situation in Tibet is on the whole peaceful and stable. The Tibetan people hope to work in peace and stability.
"Tibet's continuous progress (has) proven the policies we have adopted are right," he said.
Wen expressed confidence the world's third-largest economy can meet its official growth target of 8 percent this year and emerge from the crisis "at an early date." But he said Beijing is ready to expand its 4 trillion yuan ($586 billion) stimulus if needed.
"We already have our plans ready to tackle even more difficult times, and to do that we have reserved adequate ammunition," he said. "That means that at any time we can introduce new stimulus policies."
Communist leaders worry about rising job losses and possible unrest amid a trade slump that saw Chinese exports fall 25.7 percent in February from a year earlier. They have promised to spend heavily to create jobs and boost exports.
Chinese bank lending and power demand have risen, suggesting the stimulus is taking effect. But growth in retail sales is weakening, indicating it has yet to spur private sector spending and investment, which analysts say will be key to its success.
Private sector economists expect growth as low as 5 percent this year. That would be the strongest of any major country but could lead to more waves of job cuts.
"I really believe we will be able to walk out of the shadow of the financial crisis at an early date," Wen said. "After this trial, I believe the Chinese economy will show greater vitality."
Wen also said Beijing wants the G-20 summit in April focus on helping the poorest countries.
The premier said Beijing has met its own commitments to help developing countries by erasing a total of $40 billion in debt owed by 46 countries and giving out 200 billion yuan ($29 billion) of aid to developing countries."
"We must see to it that we show concern for developing countries," he said.
___
AP Business Writer Jeremiah Marquez in Hong Kong contributed to this report.
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Recommend this article
Average (0 votes)
Sign in to recommend this article »
Most Recommended Stories »
Related Articles: Asia Pacific
Japan protests NKorea's rocket launch planAP - Saturday, March 14
China's Premier Wen defends Tibet policiesAP - Saturday, March 14
Obama, Yudhoyono discuss economic crisisAFP - Saturday, March 14
Obama, Arroyo back controversial defense treatyAFP - Saturday, March 14
China 'worried' about US Treasury holdingsAP - Saturday, March 14
Most Popular – Asia Pacific
Viewed
For sale: nagging wife, very high maintenance
VW reveals race to overtake GM, Toyota
World Bank warns of "very dangerous" year ahead
Space junk sparks crew scare on ISS
Chimp used planning skills to attack humans
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Community
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy
- Help
Other News on Saturday, 14 March 2009 World court prosecutor to appeal Bashir genocide ruling
| International
|
Brazilian hijacks small plane, kills child in crash
| International
|
Fresh face lifts ex-guerrillas in Salvador election
| International
|
Ericsson signs U.S. deal worth over $2 billion: report
| Technology
|
Alfa's Fridman fighting different war on Vimpelcom
| Technology
|
Qimonda still seeks investors, cuts production
| Technology
|
Almodovar shows his dark side with Broken Embraces
| Entertainment
|
U.S. band Pixies to play single gig at UK festival
| Entertainment
|
UK rocker Pete Doherty lauded for solo debut
| Entertainment
|
UN chief: 2009 is critical year for Afghanistan
U.N. says security in Afghanistan may worsen in 2009
| International
|
Sudan says aid workers still being held
| International
|
Livni, Netanyahu said weighing alliance talks
Israel's Netanyahu and Livni make new contact
Hopes for Pakistani compromise fade, protests go on
| International
|
G20 ministers deny rift over fighting credit crisis
World court prosecutor to appeal Bashir genocide ruling
Tibet silent, shut-off on riot anniversary
| International
|
Obama program helping US economy: Summers
American badly hurt in clash with Israeli military
Austrian diplomat appointed as Bosnia peace envoy
| International
|
World Bank warns of "very dangerous" year ahead
Nine nations agree plan to combat arms flow to Gaza
| International
|
Iraqi leaders cite security problems
European states pledge to ease bank secrecy
European auto sales slump by 20%
Iran dismisses sanctions and launches gas project
Israel's Netanyahu and Livni make new contact
| International
|
U.S. in deal to refurbish aircraft for Taiwan
| International
|
Georgian protesters demand Saakashvili resign
| International
|
Obama, Yudhoyono discuss economic crisis
US drops 'enemy combatant' detention status
Qimonda still seeks investors, cuts production
Catholic church paid 436 mln dlrs for abuse cases
Alfa's Fridman fighting different war on Vimpelcom
Clinton to visit Mexico to support drug crackdown
Web founder fears 'snooping' on the Internet
EU to test US data sharing on Guantanamo inmates
German Qimonda closer to liquidation: administrator
Tech, music and film converge at SXSW Festival
NIreland salutes slain policeman
Dutch police arrest top suspect in German mafia killings
Gunman shot dead in Siberian hostage-taking
Ex-KGB agent wanted by Britain to run for mayor
Japan protests NKorea's rocket launch plan
China's Premier Wen defends Tibet policies
Obama, Yudhoyono discuss economic crisis
Obama, Arroyo back controversial defense treaty
China 'worried' about US Treasury holdings
Oil soaks Australian beaches after spill
Pakistan complains of 'alienation' from US drone strikes
White House: No safer investment than US
G20 discuss credit crunch fight, deny split
US assures China over bond investments
Filipinos in immigration row with Japan
Fire at Bangladesh's largest mall kills 4
US in deal to refurbish aircraft for Taiwan
PLDT takes 30 pct in Meralco
Thai economy facing delay in recovery: PM
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
China 'worried' about US Treasury holdings
New Orleans musician rebounds, opens 'Gate'
Second Life finding new life
People mag retracts Brown and Rihanna duet story
First Superman comic book raises 317,200 dlrs
Wash state: 'Ax Men' crew salvaged logs illegally
Reinvigorated, lip-synching Spears wows N.Y. fans
Stewart, Cramer TV battle royal draws big audience
Ericsson signs U.S. deal worth over $2 billion: report
| Technology
|
Pattinson: New role's 'naked stuff' uncomfortable
'Firebrand of Florence': smashing concert version
Clooney's quiet ER return boosts show ratings
| Entertainment
|
Reinvigorated, lip-synching Spears wows N.Y. fans
| Entertainment
|
A-Z of Aussie musicians unite for bushfires benefit
| Entertainment
|
New Orleans musician rebounds, opens Gate
| Entertainment
|
Madagascar opposition deadline passes
| International
|
Israeli police fatally shoot Palestinian
Three men arrested over killing of British soldiers
| International
|
Iran says oil market oversupplied
Afghan police say victims of U.S. raid not militants
| International
|
OPEC hardliners hint at cuts on eve of meeting
Afghan father, four sons killed in US raid: police
Two Gaza rockets hit Israel: military
Iraq president to retire from office next year
| International
|
Madoff reveals $823 million life of luxury
Sri Lanka rejects U.N. allegations on civilian deaths
| International
|
Bin Laden accuses Arab leaders of plotting against Muslims
| International
|
Zimbabwe's Mugabe says unity government to bring stability
| International
|
Russia weighs Cuba, Venezuela bases: report
US Salvadorans make opinion count in election
Web founder warns against website snooping
| Technology
|
Cash-hungry U.S. states turn to Web to auction goods
| Technology
|
Nicaragua blasts US's decision to hold back aid
U.S. and Britain at odds over detainee
Web founder warns against website snooping
Cash-hungry U.S. states turn to Web to auction goods
Three arrests over N.Ireland soldiers' killings
Australian stars line up for bushfire victims
| Entertainment
|
Sri Lanka rejects UN charge of possible war crimes
5 killed in Afghan operation targeting bomb-maker
Pakistan protesters defy government ban
Stars turn out for Australia wildfires concerts
Nepal police detain 2 foreign pro-Tibet protesters
Indian forces kill 3 suspected rebels in Kashmir
China investigating freighter that hit fishermen
NKorea bars border crossing for 2nd straight day
G20 to agree IMF funding boost: European source
Hundreds of Taiwanese rally in support of Tibet
Pakistani c.bank sells 10 bln rupees of T-bills
Australian stars line up for bushfire victims
John Woo to make 'Titanic of the east': report
Young bloods vie to be Bollywood's new leading men
Tenor Philip Webb makes surprise Met debut
A-Z of Aussie musicians unite for bushfires benefit
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights