Jim Flaherty's comments added to pressure from other governments for European leaders to produce a financial rescue plan and resources to support it. China, South Africa and others have said they might consider contributing but need to see a detailed plan.
Flaherty said he discussed the issue with Chinese officials in Beijing and at a meeting of Asia-Pacific finance ministers this month, though he declined to say what the officials said about China's current position.
The minister said governments want to see Europe build a "very strong firewall" to protect the continent's banks and prevent contagion from spreading beyond seriously indebted governments.
"Generally, I think the view is that we first need to see that very substantial commitment and action by the Europeans — and I'm talking about the members of the euro zone — before any more would be asked of non-European G20 countries," Flaherty told reporters.
Chinese officials have said Beijing might consider putting money into a fund meant to help stabilize Europe by buying government bonds with money from outside investors but wants to see details before it can decide.
