Xi urges G20 wealthy nations to reduce fallout of interest rate hikes
Nusa Dua, Indonesia – Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday asked the G20 wealthy nations to contain the fallout from interest rate hikes, as the US Federal Reserve moves aggressively to fight inflation.
"We must contain global inflation and resolve systematic risks in the economy and finance," Xi told a summit of the 20 major economies taking place in Bali.
"Developed economies should reduce the negative
spillover effects of their monetary policy adjustments and stabilise debts at a sustainable level," he said.
The US Federal Reserve has raised interest rates to their high
est level since before the 2008 financial crisis as it seeks to tighten money supply in an effort to wrestle back inflation.
The US monetary stance has pushed the dollar up to levels not
seen in two decades, causing distress for developing economies
that rely on exports or that are trying to curb inflation themselves. Xi, on only his second
overseas trip since the pan
demic, was addressing the summit a day after meeting US President Joe Biden.
The talks with Biden were
strikingly friendly, with the two
leaders both indicating they would like to ease tensions that
have soared in recent months.
The White House said that Xi and Biden agreed against any use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine, as the United States seeks to encourage distance between Beijing and its nominal ally in Moscow.
Xi in his remarks to the G20 offered possible veiled criticism of Russia, which has attacked Ukraine's energy infrastructure and, until a Un-brokered deal, had been blocking vital exports of Ukrainian wheat.
"We must firmly oppose politicisation, instrumentalisation and weaponisation of food and energy problems," Xi said.
He also repeated his familiar opposition to Western sanctions
and warned against aggravating differences among countries.
"Drawing ideological lines and stirring up opposition among political blocs and factions will only divide the world and obstruct the advancement of humankind," he said.