CHINA should ready “more powerful” policy measures, possibly including a large-scale stimulus package, to prevent its economy from stalling as trade frictions with the United States persist, a domestic newspaper said in a commentary Thursday.

Over the weekend, the People’s Bank of China announced its fourth cut in banks’ reserve requirement ratios (RRRs) this year to further ease credit conditions and support businesses, including exporters hit by China’s intensifying trade war with the United States.

Economists saw more RRR cuts ahead, though China has repeatedly said it will not resort to massive stimulus, concerned about introducing excessive leverage into the financial system.

Chinese corporates are still working to lower their debt levels following the government’s 4 trillion yuan (US$577 billion) stimulus package a decade ago.

“Depending on the economic situation, it [China] should prepare more powerful monetary and fiscal policy tools, possibly including a large-scale stimulus package,” the commentary in Global Times said.

“Compared with the RRR level of 9.5 percent in 2007, there is still room for further reduction in the current ratios of 14.5 percent for large financial institutions and 12.5 percent for small and medium lenders.” (SD-Agencies)