中國政府9日宣布對財政和貨幣政策進行重大調整，并出臺擴大內需的十項舉措，預計到2010年投資4萬億元人民幣。消息一出，“4萬億”的天文數字就成為西方輿論的焦點，英國、美國等國家分別對此舉表示歡迎。澳大利亞總理陸克文也盛贊中國推出大規模刺激經濟方案，表示這對區域及全球經濟都是一個振奮人心的好消息。與此同時，10日亞太股市全面飄紅，歐洲股市也開盤走高。

The State Council, or the Cabinet, said on Sunday that it would increase spending in 10 sectors, including housing, rural infrastructure, railways, highways and airports.

The massive stimulus plan announced by China over the weekend to counter the effects of a global slowdown on its economy drew praise from world leaders and economists, and sent stocks rising around the world yesterday.

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said the package was good news for his nation.

"I regard that as very good news for this economy, very good news for the regional economy, very good news for the global economy, and it is certainly consistent with many discussions that the treasurer and myself have had with various Chinese counterparts in recent weeks," he said.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown also welcomed China's move and said he looked forward to discussions at a Washington meeting this weekend of leaders from the Group of 20 (G20) major economies, which President Hu Jintao is due to attend.

The move could benefit other nations gripped in the global financial crisis, David McCormick, the US Treasury Department's undersecretary for international affairs, told reporters in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Sunday.

McCormick was attending the annual meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors of the G20 developed countries and emerging economies.

Brazilian Finance Minister Guido Mantega, who chaired the Sao Paulo meeting, said China has taken "the lead" to avoid an economic slowdown amid international financial turmoil.

He said China's plan is an "anti-cyclic" policy to avoid the shrinking of the economy.

The mainland and other Asian stock markets gained strongly yesterday in response to the stimulus package.

Shanghai's benchmark index spiked more than 7 percent, as investors welcomed the $586 billion stimulus plan aimed at boosting domestic demand.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index gained 501.20 points, or 3.5 percent, though it ended well off its highs.

Markets in Japan, India, Australia, Singapore and South Korea as well as in Europe and the US joined the region's advance.

The State Council, or the Cabinet, said on Sunday that it would increase spending in 10 sectors, including housing, rural infrastructure, railways, highways and airports.

The news lifted sagging oil prices on hopes that it would stimulate energy demand. Oil rose $2.69 to $63.70 a barrel in Asian trading on the New York Mercantile exchange.

But some economists noted the size of the stimulus may be smaller than advertised. Then there is the question of how much is actual new spending.

"The stimulus package is big, but it's actually a combination of a lot of things that have already been announced," said Ken Peng, a Citigroup economist in Shanghai.

The plan includes projects already under way, including reconstruction from the devastating May earthquake in Sichuan, said Sherman Chan, an economist for Moody's Economy.com.

(China Daily/Agencies)

Vocabulary:

anti-cyclic: not conforming to or following a cycle, 反周期的

（英語點津 Helen 編輯）