U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent delivers remarks on “Game Plan for U.S. Investment” on the sidelines of the IMF/World Bank annual meetings at CNBC Invest in America Forum, in Washington on Oct. 15, 2025. Brendan Smialowski / AFP
As trade tensions escalate between the United States and China, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has called on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank to take a tougher stance on China’s practice, while China has responded with accusations and threats to take more actions at the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Analysts said the U.S. call may generate public opinion and technical pressure but is unlikely to lead to structural changes in the international organizations, and the two countries are moving to a protracted standoff over rules and supply chains.
