Number: 97-518
Title: China and the Multilateral Development Banks
Authors: Jonathan E. Sanford, Foreign Affairs and National Defense Division 
Abstract: The prospects for the future of multilateral development bank assistance in China are uncertain. In a few years, the World Bank will have to cut its level of International Bank for Reconstruction and Development lending or waive its rule against lending more than 10 percent of its funds to one country. If U.S. influence in the World Bank diminishes, Japan and some other countries may want to revisit the question of terminating International Development Association (IDA) assistance to China. Likewise, it is not evident what will replace IDA as a source of credit for social programs and non-commercial agricultural development. The Chinese government has not shown that it is willing to borrow market-rate money to fund these activities.
Pages: 18
Date: October 31, 1997