美国要踢中国出SWIFT？反手却把人民币推向世界中心

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the potential U.S. strategy to exclude China from the SWIFT system as a response to China's control over rare earth elements, indicating a significant escalation in U.S.-China tensions [1][5]. Group 1: SWIFT System and Its Implications - The SWIFT system is likened to a "global banking VIP group," where nearly all banks participate, and transactions are primarily conducted in U.S. dollars, giving the U.S. significant control over international financial transactions [3][5]. - Being excluded from the SWIFT system would severely impact a country's ability to engage in international trade, particularly for those reliant on U.S. dollar transactions, effectively "blacklisting" them from the global financial system [3][5]. Group 2: U.S. Strategy and Historical Context - The U.S. has previously used similar tactics against countries like Russia, but the outcomes have not always been as effective as intended, with Russia strengthening ties with China and conducting trade in alternative currencies [5][7]. - The article argues that the U.S. may underestimate China's economic significance, as China is a major global manufacturing hub and a key trading partner for over 180 countries, making the potential exclusion from SWIFT less impactful than anticipated [5][7]. Group 3: Changing Dynamics in Global Trade - Recent developments indicate a shift in global trade practices, with companies like BHP agreeing to settle transactions in Chinese yuan, reflecting China's growing influence as a customer [7]. - The article suggests that the era of U.S. dominance in setting global trade rules is waning, as countries may seek alternatives to the U.S. dollar and SWIFT system, leading to a potential reconfiguration of international financial systems [7][9].