Core Viewpoint - The acceleration of mergers and restructuring among small and medium-sized banks in China is a necessary choice for the financial system to actively mitigate risks and optimize its structure to adapt to the new stage of economic development [6][7]. Group 1: Current Trends in Banking Sector - Over 368 banks have been deregistered this year due to regulatory approvals for mergers or dissolutions, surpassing the total for the entire previous year, with 176 of these being village banks [3][4]. - Notable mergers include the acquisition of Jinzhou Bank by Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), marking a significant case of a state-owned bank acquiring a city commercial bank [3][4]. Group 2: Reasons for Restructuring - The restructuring is driven by the need for small and medium-sized banks to survive and develop in a competitive market dominated by larger banks, which have better resources and customer bases [6]. - Many small banks face challenges such as high operating costs, weak risk management capabilities, and high non-performing asset ratios, making them vulnerable in a changing macroeconomic environment [6][7]. Group 3: Future Outlook - The goal of the restructuring process is not merely to reduce the number of banks but to enhance governance and develop specialized operations that effectively serve local economies and promote inclusive finance [5][6]. - Experts suggest that while restructuring can lower regional financial risks and optimize resource allocation, care must be taken to avoid negatively impacting rural financial services [7].