李迅雷专栏 | 人民币可否尝试惊险一跃

Core Viewpoint - The internationalization of the Renminbi (RMB) is a long-term task that has not kept pace with China's growing economic stature globally. The article explores the potential acceleration of RMB internationalization and analyzes the associated benefits and drawbacks, particularly from the perspective of "liquidity premium" [2][3]. Group 1: Current State of RMB Internationalization - The current level of RMB internationalization does not match China's economic scale, with RMB's share in foreign exchange trading, international payments, trade financing, and reserve currency significantly lower than its economic weight [6][8]. - RMB payment share globally may be underestimated, with actual RMB payment settlement estimated at around 8%, despite SWIFT reporting a lower figure [10][17]. - Historical evidence suggests that accelerating RMB internationalization does not necessarily lead to depreciation; for instance, after the 2005 exchange rate reform, the RMB appreciated against the USD for nine consecutive years [9][27]. Group 2: RMB Valuation and Liquidity - The market exchange rate of the RMB is undervalued compared to its purchasing power parity (PPP) rate, primarily due to insufficient global liquidity, resulting in a high liquidity premium [4][29]. - The high M2 money supply does not equate to significant depreciation pressure, as a large portion of M2 consists of foreign exchange reserves due to trade surpluses [4][34]. - The current excessive liquidity of the USD, which dominates global payments and reserves, contributes to its overvaluation, while the RMB's liquidity needs to be improved to enhance its valuation [4][50]. Group 3: Opportunities for RMB Internationalization - The current environment is favorable for accelerating RMB internationalization, with a declining USD index and increasing demand for RMB in cross-border transactions due to Chinese enterprises expanding overseas [40][50]. - The use of RMB in cross-border payments has significantly increased, with 2023 figures showing RMB cross-border payment amounts for goods and services at 24.8% and 31.9%, respectively [52]. - The low financing costs of RMB, driven by the divergence in interest rates between China and the US, enhance its attractiveness as a financing currency [53]. Group 4: Recommendations for RMB Internationalization - Suggestions include further opening the capital account and providing exchange facilitation for enterprises and residents to enhance RMB's global circulation [56][60]. - The establishment of a legal framework for RMB stablecoins is recommended to improve the currency's liquidity and international standing [63][64]. - The central bank should consider reducing its holdings of USD assets while increasing gold reserves to strengthen RMB's credibility [64][68]. Group 5: Economic Implications of RMB Internationalization - RMB internationalization is expected to support high-quality economic growth, allowing for a potential adjustment of GDP growth targets [71]. - The internationalization of RMB can help Chinese enterprises optimize asset allocation globally, enhancing their competitiveness and market valuation [75][76]. - While RMB appreciation may negatively impact exports, the overall benefits of internationalization are expected to outweigh the drawbacks, particularly as trade quality improves [80].