美财长访问中国 人民币或缓慢升值

US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner met with his Chinese counterpart Vice Premier Wang Qishan. The two discussed US-Sino economic ties. Either side, though, would confirm if the men talked about the Chinese currency. But many believe that Geithner's last minute trip was aimed at narrowing differences between Washington and Beijing. Many US politicians and economists think the Chinese government keeps its currency artificially cheap. Geithner's meeting comes just days after the Treasury delayed a report that could label China a currency manipulator. One prominent China watcher says that that label is something that China wants to avoid.

And China want, does not want to be labeled as a currency manipulator. If that happens, you know, China will not only be very much grieved upon, but also we'll have to take retaliatory actions in response to such a very wrongful act by the United States. Therefore, I think the visit by Secretary Geithner will help each other to exchange views and also allow us to come up with a mutually acceptable method going forward. I think the ultimate goal of full convertibility of the renminbi Yuan and the market re-adjustability of the renminbi Yuan will be achievable.

There is a growing belief that China is willing to return to a currency regime from 2005 when it allowed the Yuan to move 2 percent and trade in a wider band. The speculation now is that a move could come as early as the next several days.

Nothing has been confirmed, but indications are that the Chinese are reviewing their policies. Former Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson who was also in China this week wade in on the Yuan debate in an interview with Chinese broadcaster CCTV. Paulson suggested a change to China's currency rate would likely have more to do with domestic economic concerns rather than international pressure.

The point I always made was that for China to do something, it's got to be in China's best interest. And I believed it was in China's best interest. And I sometimes describe the disagreement that we have was not one of direction, but it was one of timing.

Chinese policymakers have been debating the merits of a more flexible, possibly stronger currency. The argument is that an appreciation of the Yuan could help ease pressure in the Chinese economy, helping officials manage rising inflation, and encouraging Chinese consumers to spend more.

Eunice Yoon, cnn, Hong Kong.