BEIJING — China is calling for a new global currency controlled by the International Monetary Fund, stepping up pressure ahead of a London summit of global leaders for changes to a financial system dominated by the U.S. dollar and Western governments.

The comments, in an essay by the Chinese central bank governor, reflect Beijing's growing assertiveness in economic affairs. China is expected to press for developing countries to have a bigger say in finance when leaders of the Group of 20 major economies meet April 2 in London to discuss the global crisis.

Gov. Zhou Xiaochuan's essay did not mention the dollar by name but said the crisis showed the dangers of relying on one nation's currency for international payments.

SYDNEY — Police arrested a senior motorcycle gang member today as part of a crackdown on biker groups in response to a deadly airport brawl that brought a simmering gang war out into the open.Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, asked about Sunday's 15-minute melee that tore through Sydney Airport, said gang violence had become a problem across Australia and he would make sure there was a national response.Today's arrest of senior Bandidos member Mahmoud Dib was not directly related to the brawl, which left one person bludgeoned to death in a fight between members of Hell's Angels and Comanchero.