本周精华总结：美元之外的新通道：稳定币在跨境支付中的角色变化

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rising popularity of stablecoins, which are blockchain-based digital currencies pegged to traditional currencies like the US dollar, highlighting their mechanisms and advantages over traditional financial systems [3][4]. Summary by Sections Nature of Stablecoins - Stablecoins, such as USDC and USDT, are designed to maintain a 1:1 value with the US dollar by backing each issued coin with equivalent assets, typically short-term US Treasury bonds [3]. - This mechanism ensures that stablecoins are not "air coins" without real asset backing, providing a sense of security and stability in their value [3]. Advantages of Stablecoins - Stablecoins leverage blockchain technology, which significantly enhances the efficiency of cross-border transactions, reducing transfer times from 1-3 days via the SWIFT network to under 10 minutes [4]. - Transaction fees are drastically lowered from 1-8% to approximately 0.1%, making stablecoins a cost-effective alternative for payments [4]. - They operate 24/7 and offer a degree of anonymity, with the potential to integrate smart contracts for automated payments, similar to existing payment systems like Alipay [4]. Current Use and Future Potential - Currently, stablecoins are primarily used for small payments due to existing security risks, especially in large transactions [4]. - In the long term, stablecoins are viewed as a potential disruptive force in cross-border payments, akin to the revolutionary impact of AI on traditional industries and smartphones on feature phones [4].