IMF Welcomes Planned Trump-Xi Meeting, Stresses Dialogue Between Top Economies
The IMF has welcomed plans for a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping later this month.
The International Monetary Fund has welcomed plans for a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping later this month, describing any effort to ease tensions as beneficial for both countries and for the wider global economy.
Speaking at the Fund's regular briefing, IMF spokesperson Julie Kozack said engagement between the leaders of the world's two largest economies was important. She told reporters that the institution views the planned meeting as a significant development.
The IMF's remarks come amid persistent trade and economic friction between Washington and Beijing, which has weighed on global markets and growth prospects. The Fund has previously flagged the risks that prolonged tensions between the two economies pose to international commerce and investment.
No further details of the planned meeting were provided. The IMF did not elaborate on specific policy expectations, but its spokesperson indicated that any steps toward resolving differences would be viewed positively.
The two countries remain the largest contributors to global output, and their bilateral relationship is closely watched by policymakers and investors worldwide. A meeting at the leadership level is seen as an opportunity to address outstanding disputes and restore a measure of predictability to economic ties.