Speaking before the Institute of International Finance, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent leveled criticism of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, urging them to go "back to basics" in their focus as financial institutions, but also offered support, stressing the United States' desire to continue its leadership role.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Sunday did not back President Donald Trump's assertion that tariff talks with China were under way and said he did not know if the U.S. president had talked to Chinese President Xi Jinping.

China is downplaying concerns that the trade war with the United States will not significantly harm its economic growth, expressing confidence in reaching its GDP target.

China has advanced this year's stimulus plans but is holding off on fresh measures as it tries to maintain composure, betting on Washington blinking first in a protracted trade war.

China on Monday said it was on the right side of history in its gruelling trade war with the United States. Recall that the US President Donald Trump, since returning to the presidency in January, has imposed 10 per cent tariffs on most US trading partners and a separate 145 per cent levy on many products from China.