杨长江：人民币“破七”背后，是国运与币运的共振

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the implications of the recent appreciation of the Chinese yuan and its impact on the Chinese economy, particularly in the context of the ongoing internationalization of the yuan and the changing global economic landscape. Group 1: Yuan Appreciation and Economic Impact - The offshore yuan exchange rate reached a high of 7.43 in April 2025 and strengthened to break the 7.0 mark by the end of the year, marking a significant recovery since the trade war lows [1][4] - The appreciation of the yuan is seen as a reflection of China's economic resilience amidst external pressures, particularly from the US trade protectionism [1][6] - The current level of the yuan is not considered "seriously undervalued," but there are some factors contributing to its perceived undervaluation, including structural issues in the domestic economy [5][9] Group 2: Structural Factors Influencing Yuan Valuation - The dual nature of the yuan's exchange rate, reflecting both real economic conditions and financial market dynamics, complicates the assessment of its valuation [5][6] - Domestic market segmentation and competition have led to price suppression, contributing to the undervaluation of the yuan [7][9] - The overall price level in China has improved, indicating that the yuan is not as undervalued as previously thought, countering claims from Western nations [4][5] Group 3: Internationalization of the Yuan - The article emphasizes the importance of the yuan's appreciation for its internationalization, suggesting that a stable and gradually appreciating yuan could enhance its role as a global reserve currency [25][30] - The current global economic environment, characterized by a weakening dollar and rising inflation in Western countries, presents an opportunity for the yuan to gain traction as a safe asset [12][25] - The potential for the yuan to become a credible alternative to the US dollar is linked to China's ability to provide stable and reliable financial assets, particularly in the context of increasing skepticism towards US debt [27][30] Group 4: Future Outlook and Recommendations - The article suggests that while the yuan can appreciate, it should do so at a controlled pace to avoid market distortions and excessive speculation [22][23] - Internal reforms aimed at improving wage levels and price structures are recommended as a means to support the yuan's appreciation sustainably [23][24] - The need for China to enhance its soft power and narrative in the global market is highlighted as crucial for gaining pricing power and furthering the yuan's internationalization [34][35]