China calls for new global currency

China is calling for a new global currency to replace the dominant dollar, showing a growing assertiveness on revamping the world economy ahead of next week's London summit on the financial crisis.

The surprise proposal by Beijing's central bank governor reflects unease about the central bank's vast holdings of U.S. government bonds and adds to Chinese pressure to overhaul a global financial system dominated by the dollar and Western governments. Both the United States and the European Union brushed off the idea.

The central bank's governor recommended creating a global currency controlled by the International Monetary Fund, saying it would help "to achieve the objective of safeguarding global economic and financial stability."