Global Economic Growth “Insufficient” – China Warns at G20 Meeting

Web Editor

April 27, 2025

a man walking past a sign with a large logo on it's side and a large orange bucket, Eduardo Lefebvre

Background on Key Figures and Relevance

At a recent G20 meeting in Washington, China’s finance minister, Lan Foan, and the People’s Bank of China governor, Pan Gongsheng, expressed concerns about the global economic growth being “insufficient.” Their warnings come amid escalating trade wars and tariffs that exacerbate economic and financial instability, hindering global growth. Both officials emphasized the importance of multilateral cooperation and equal dialogue to resolve trade disputes.

China’s Call for Cooperation and Dialogue

During his intervention at the G20 gathering, Minister Lan Foan urged all parties to strengthen multilateral cooperation. He affirmed China’s support for equal dialogue and consultations to address trade and tariff disputes. Meanwhile, Governor Pan Gongsheng highlighted that economic fragmentation and trade tensions have disrupted supply chains, weakening global economic growth momentum.

Global Economic Risks and Calls for Coordination

Other participants in the meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors echoed China’s concerns, noting a significant rise in growth risks due to trade tensions, tightening financing conditions, and long-term structural challenges. They called for reinforced dialogue and policy coordination without directly mentioning the United States.

Context of U.S. Trade Policies

The G20 convened following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of heavy tariffs on imports, which triggered turbulence in financial markets.

Key Questions and Answers

  • What did China warn about at the G20 meeting? China warned that global economic growth is “insufficient” due to escalating trade wars and tariffs exacerbating economic and financial instability.
  • Who expressed these concerns? China’s finance minister, Lan Foan, and the People’s Bank of China governor, Pan Gongsheng, voiced these concerns during the G20 meeting.
  • What solutions did they propose? Both officials emphasized the need for multilateral cooperation, equal dialogue, and strengthened policy coordination to address trade disputes and promote global economic growth.
  • What are the main risks to global growth? Other G20 participants highlighted significant growth risks stemming from trade tensions, tightening financing conditions, and long-term structural challenges.
  • What prompted the G20 meeting? The meeting was convened following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of heavy tariffs on imports, causing market turbulence.