With the deadline for a U.S. credit default just two weeks away, concern mounts over the consequences of a U.S. government delay or paralysis in resolving the debt ceiling crisis. Overseas, countries holding large sums of U.S. Treasury securities are watching the debate with heightened apprehension and scrutiny. In this post, we examine Chinese, Russian, and Indian views on the U.S. debt impasse.
CHINA
As the U.S.’ largest creditor, China has repeatedly called for compromise in the debt talks while encouraging Washington to protect China’s investments in the U.S. debt market. Meanwhile, Chinese ratings agency Dagong placed the U.S. on negative watch for a possible downgrade, highlighting the increasing role of rating agencies as a political tool to influence the global financial system.
- At a regular news briefing in Beijing, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei expressed hope that “the U.S. government adopts responsible policies and measures to guarantee the interests of investors.”
- “I think there is a risk that the U.S. debt default may happen,” said Li Daokui, advisor to the People’s Bank of China. “The result of U.S. debt default is very serious and Republican lawmakers should stop playing with fire.” Li’s comments also underscored that China is constrained by its vast holdings of Treasuries, and that it is best protected against a U.S. debt default if it stands by the United States. “China can promise that we will not sell our holdings of U.S. debt, but the United States must also promise that you will not hurt our interests by guaranteeing the safety of our investment,” he said.
- Dagong Global Rating Co. Ltd. announced that it is likely to downgrade the U.S.’ sovereign credit rating regardless of whether Congress reaches an agreement on raising its statutory debt limit. Dagong currently rates the U.S. at A+, but has threatened to downgrade its rating even further. The highest possible rating is AAA+. According to Guan Jianzhong, chairman and CEO of Dagong, the downgrading is really just “a matter of time and extent.”
RUSSIA
In Russia, commentary was cynical across the board with allusions to the massive financial disaster that may result in global markets should the U.S. government fail to raise the debt ceiling. (more…)
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