Robert Zoellick: China 'Reluctant Stakeholder' in World Economic Woes

World Bank President Robert B. Zoellick speaking before the Asia Society AustralAsia Centre's Annual Dinner in Sydney on August 14, 2011. (Jan Kuczerawy/Asia Society AustralAsia Centre)

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, August 14, 2011 — China is a vital but "reluctant stakeholder" in the current wave of Western financial woes, said Robert B. Zoellick, President of the World Bank.

Zoellick told listeners that China benefits from the international system and needs to "share the responsibilities" of that engagement, for the sake of both sides of the Pacific.

"The whole model going back to Deng Xiaoping is to link to the international economy," he said.

Zoellick made these remarks at the Asia Society AustralAsia Centre 2011 Annual Dinner, in a discussion with Richard Woolcott AC, former secretary of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Founding Director of the Asia Society AustralAsia Centre.

As the United States faces the prospect of a "double dip" recession, a new level of international cooperation will be required to avoid a crisis.

"The emerging markets represent a world turned upside down," said Zoellick, explaining that beyond China, India and the rapidly developing economies in Southeast Asia, changes in sub-Saharan African countries were also altering the way in which the world responds to global financial crises.

The World Bank President devoted much of his address to China, recognizing a range of achievements between the Bank and the rapidly growing economic superpower.

Zoellick also identified a range of reforms that the Bank has recently suggested to China, including the need to set sustainable growth models, protect its environment and modernise fiscal systems. He also expressed apprehension at China's decreasing labour force and lack of homegrown innovation.

Notable guests at the 2011 Dinner included Tongan Prime Minister Lord Tu'ivakano, former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating and former New South Wales Premier Bob Carr. Also in attendance were Deputy Opposition leader The Hon. Julie Bishop MP and Shadow Minister for Broadband Technology The Hon. Malcolm Turnbull MP.
 
The World Bank President began his visit to Australia in Perth, attending the Australian American Leadership Dialogue — a high-level private initiative bringing together Australian and American leaders to define and debate the relationship between the two countries.  The Australian delegates were led by Prime Minister Julia Gillard and the Federal Opposition leader Tony Abbott.
 
Zoellick was chosen by the AALD to receive their recently instituted annual award, the 2011 Leadership Dialogue Honour. Last year's recipient of the AALD award was Richard Woolcott AC.

Prior to joining the World Bank, Zoellick was United States Deputy Secretary of State. He has also previously held the position as managing director of Goldman Sachs.

As the United States Trade Representative, Zoellick negotiated the Free Trade Agreement between the United States and Australia, signed in 2004.

Reported by Will McCallum
 

Media Coverage:

Coverage by Reuters, extensive reprints worldwide including Straits Times, Japan Herald, Sify News (India) and IBN Live (India)


Coverage by Australian Associated Press. Reprints include Sydney Morning Herald

 
Coverage via agencies by Al Jazeera and BBC (BBC story also in Daily Mirror UK)


Coverege by AFP. Reprints include The Botswana Gazette, El Financiero (Mexico), The Peninsula (Qatar), The Business Times (Singapore) and The China Post (Taiwan)


Coverage by Bloomberg. Reprints include the San Francisco Chronicle


Coverage by the U.K. Guardian 


Coverage by Xinhua and China Central Televisison (CCTV)


Coverage by The Business Spectator (Australia)

 
Coverage by Business Ghana and AllAfrica.com