Core Viewpoint - The recent tax policy changes regarding gold are part of a broader strategy by the Chinese government to enhance its global financial influence and establish a more regulated gold market [3][24]. Group 1: Tax Policy Changes - The new tax policy separates the "investment" and "consumption" attributes of gold, applying different VAT rules to each [3][10]. - Only standard gold transactions through the Shanghai Gold Exchange and Shanghai Futures Exchange will enjoy VAT exemptions, encouraging institutional and bulk traders to engage in compliant trading [5][6]. - Consumption gold, such as jewelry and industrial gold, will incur VAT during transactions, while businesses can deduct input tax when processing and selling these gold products [9][10]. Group 2: Market Implications - The policy aims to increase the liquidity and scale of on-exchange trading, thereby establishing the authority of "Shanghai Gold" [7][12]. - The shift towards compliant trading channels indicates a future where non-compliant trading options will diminish, leading to a more regulated gold market [12][26]. - The tax reform is closely linked to China's goal of becoming a financial powerhouse as outlined in the "14th Five-Year Plan" [12][24]. Group 3: Internationalization of the Renminbi - The changes are a significant step in the strategy to internationalize the Renminbi, as China seeks to establish its own gold pricing mechanism rather than relying on Western markets [14][18]. - The recognition of "Shanghai Gold" in global markets will enhance the credibility and attractiveness of the Renminbi, reducing dependence on the US dollar [18][20]. - This process is gradual but essential for China's long-term financial strategy, aiming to challenge the existing global monetary system [20][24]. Group 4: Investor Guidance - Investors are advised to utilize compliant channels such as bank paper gold, products from the Shanghai Gold Exchange, and compliant gold ETFs, avoiding non-regulated options that carry higher risks [22][24]. - Understanding the different value logic between investment gold and consumption gold is crucial for investors to avoid losses [22][24]. - The new tax policy represents a significant transformation from broad regulation to precise governance, reflecting the ambition to secure global gold pricing authority and strengthen the foundation for Renminbi internationalization [24][27].