European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde granted an exclusive interview to China Media Group (CMG) on local time October 14, during the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group held in Bangkok, Thailand.

Addressing the development of artificial intelligence in Europe, Lagarde observed that the United States leads the sector, with China closely trailing in second place. Europe, she noted, ranks a distant third across several member states. While Europe boasts world-class talent, robust educational institutions, and ample capital reserves, it has struggled to integrate these resources effectively. Europe possesses vast household and institutional savings, but significant volumes of this capital currently flow to the United States, directly financing American innovation and growth. She emphasized that Europe could harness its domestic savings to cultivate and scale its own innovation ecosystem.

Turning to China-Europe dialogue and bilateral engagement, Lagarde affirmed that constructive engagement with China remains fully viable. She described recent momentum in bilateral discussions as highly positive, emphasizing that diplomacy requires patience and must advance methodically and consistently. Highlighting their extensive shared interests, she noted that both sides remain indispensable trading partners in goods and services, underscoring the necessity of strengthening cooperative ties.

Reflecting on China`s reform, opening-up, and modernization, Lagarde stated that China has leveraged its governance advantages and organizational capacity to integrate deeply into the global trading architecture. She praised China`s nationwide poverty alleviation campaign, which lifted hundreds of millions out of extreme poverty, hailing it as an extraordinary historic achievement. She also recognized China`s tangible progress in combating climate change, enhancing air and water quality, and developing waste management and recycling systems.

Speaking about Chinese President Xi Jinping, Lagarde remarked that he carries the immense responsibility of stewarding a nation of such scale. Describing him as one of the world`s most influential leaders, she noted that significant responsibility rests on his shoulders for advancing global peace, development, and international cooperation.

Regarding her personal plans, Lagarde affirmed that she remains fully dedicated to her current mandate as ECB President, expressing hope that the succession process will unfold in an orderly fashion. When asked whether assuming the presidency of the World Economic Forum (WEF) is under consideration, she remarked, "That is one among several options."

Source: Shishir, Alim, Akash | China Media Group (CMG)