Published : 2025-04-17

On April 17, 1980, China resumed its legitimate seat in the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Following China's restoration of its legitimate seat at the 26th session of the United Nations General Assembly in 1971, the majority of United Nations specialised agencies also restored China's seat according to relevant resolutions, except for some international financial organisations, such as the IMF and the World Bank, due to various reasons.

Since the start of China's Reform and Opening-up, the country's focus has shifted to economic construction, creating an urgent need for capital and technology.

At the same time, the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States led to a significant relaxation of international tensions.

With the approval of the State Council of China, the Bank of China was tasked with negotiating the resumption of China's seats in the IMF and the World Bank.

In March 1980, a delegation from the IMF was invited to visit China and held negotiations with the Chinese government delegation, headed by the vice president of the Bank of China.

These negotiations achieved multiple outcomes, including confirming that China had been a member of the IMF since 1945, with the seat held by the government of the People's Republic of China.

On April 17 of the same year, the IMF announced a resolution formally restoring China's seat.