Premier Wen Jiabao meets with visiting IMF chief

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has met with the visiting Chief of the International Monetary Fund, Christine Lagarde. Their meeting comes after Lagarde attended a press conference in which she addressed the worsening eurozone crisis. Wen Jiabao said the debt crisis in Europe has increased the financial risks of developed economies and poses great challenges to the revival of the global economy. He also said that China will be committed to maintaining smooth and rapid economic development. Wen also expressed China’s support for the anti-crisis measures taken by European Union, European Central Bank and the IMF. He went on to say that China would also carry out effective cooperation with other countries in hopes of contributing to a strong, sustainable and balanced world economy. The Premier also expressed his hope that China would play a more constructive role in maintaining world economic stability. IMF Chief Christine Lagarde said that China has made important contributions toward combating the financial crisis, and that the IMF thinks highly of the measures the country has adopted to promote reform, develop their economy and improve the standard of living of the Chinese people. Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping also met Lagarde today. They exchanged views on China’s economy, as well as discussing the global economy, improving the state's currency policy, enhancing the IMF’s role on international financial issues. Xi said the recovery of the global economy is slowing down, and greater cooperation from all parties is needed to survive the crisis. Xi stated his belief that the key task now is to stop the European debt crisis from spreading further. Xi also noted that China is an important partner of the European Union and will support the efforts being made by the bloc as they try to overcome the crisis. The vice-president also expressed China's willingness to work with the IMF to assist reforms within the organization and assist its efforts in improving global economy management.