China's 'zero-Covid' curbs may hurt global growth, says BOJ policymaker

The remark follows a warning last month by IMF head Kristalina Georgieva that China should reassess its zero-Covid approach to the pandemic

China's "zero-COVID" restrictions could weigh on world growth by prolonging supply chain disruptions and global inflationary pressures, a Bank of Japan policymaker said on Wednesday.

The remark follows a warning last month by International Monetary Fund head Kristalina Georgieva that China should reassess its zero-COVID approach to the pandemic given the emergence of the highly contagious Omicron variant.

"China's economy is the world's market and factory," BOJ board member Toyoaki Nakamura said in a speech.

"There's a risk its 'zero-COVID' policy amid widening Omicron infections could weigh on the global economy, as well as prolong global supply chain disruptions and