Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-12-30 14:44Core Insights - The People's Bank of China has introduced a new action plan to enhance the management and service system for digital currency, with a new digital RMB framework set to launch on January 1, 2026 [1][2] - As of November 2025, the digital RMB has processed 3.48 billion transactions, amounting to 16.7 trillion yuan, with 230 million personal wallets opened through the digital RMB app [1] - The digital RMB is evolving into a strategic tool that integrates finance, technology, and data, enhancing trade efficiency and national competitiveness [3] Group 1: Digital Currency Developments - The digital RMB's management system and infrastructure will officially start in 2026, indicating a significant step in China's digital currency evolution [1] - The digital RMB has seen substantial adoption, with 3.48 billion transactions and a total transaction value of 16.7 trillion yuan by late 2025 [1] - The digital RMB app has facilitated the opening of 230 million personal wallets, showcasing its growing user base [1] Group 2: Challenges and Opportunities - The article outlines four key challenges faced by central banks regarding digital currency: modern payment tools' impact on monetary control, risks of financial disintermediation, the relationship between digital cash and commercial banks, and the balance between centralized management and decentralized blockchain features [2] - The Chinese government is exploring international cooperation in digital finance, particularly through the mBridge project for cross-border payments with countries like Thailand and the UAE [2] - Predictions suggest that by 2030, the global cross-border payment market could reach $290 trillion, with the RMB's share potentially between 10% and 20%, and digital currency penetration between 20% and 40% [2] Group 3: Blockchain and Industry Growth - As of December 25, 2025, China has registered 74,600 blockchain-related companies, marking a record high in the past five years, with the majority located in South China [3] - The number of existing blockchain companies in China has steadily increased over the past decade, with a notable acceleration in growth since 2019, totaling 289,400 companies by late 2025 [3] - The development of digital RMB is seen as a strategic asset that leverages blockchain technology to enhance trade efficiency and align with national interests [3]