Core Insights - The payment system is a crucial financial infrastructure that supports consumer spending and economic stability in China. The system has seen significant advancements in recent years, providing secure, efficient, and convenient payment services that bolster the real economy [1] Group 1: Development Achievements - During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, the People's Bank of China has made substantial progress in building a modern payment system that ranks among the world's best. The payment system's business volume has grown at an average annual rate of 12.52%, with a total business volume expected to exceed 12 trillion yuan in 2024. Mobile payment transactions are projected to reach 1.71 times the volume of 2020 [2] - The average payment service fee is below 0.6%, significantly lower than that in Europe and the United States [2] Group 2: Market Structure - The payment market has evolved into a diverse and collaborative ecosystem, with the People's Bank of China optimizing the roles of clearing institutions, commercial banks, payment institutions, and industry associations to provide a wide range of payment services [3] - The China Payment and Clearing Association plays a self-regulatory role, ensuring fair competition and promoting high-quality development in the payment clearing industry [3] Group 3: Regulatory Framework - The payment industry is entering a new phase characterized by compliance and sustainable development. A comprehensive regulatory framework has been established, including the introduction of the first specialized regulation for non-bank payment institutions, marking a new stage in the industry's development [4] - The People's Bank of China has adopted a "zero tolerance" approach to illegal activities in the payment sector, focusing on risk prevention across the entire payment process [4] Group 4: Service Accessibility - The payment services have become more secure, convenient, and inclusive, with a diverse range of payment methods available to meet the public's needs. Since the beginning of the 14th Five-Year Plan, non-cash payment transactions have reached 23 trillion, representing a 2.34-fold increase in volume compared to the previous five years [5] - The rapid adoption of mobile payment services has transformed various transaction scenarios, bridging the digital divide for the elderly and enhancing payment services in rural areas [5] Group 5: Cross-Border Payment Progress - The People's Bank of China is actively promoting the construction of a self-controlled cross-border payment system, with the Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) processing 175 trillion yuan in cross-border RMB transactions in 2024, a 43% increase year-on-year [6][7] - The establishment of a cross-border payment platform for digital currencies has been initiated in collaboration with central banks from Hong Kong, Thailand, and the UAE [7] Group 6: Enhancing Foreign Payment Services - The People's Bank of China has implemented measures to improve payment services for foreign nationals in China, including allowing the use of foreign mobile numbers to register for domestic payment apps and enhancing payment guides at key locations [8] - As a result, the number of active mobile payment users among inbound travelers exceeded 10 million in the first half of 2025, with transaction volumes and amounts increasing by 162% and 149%, respectively [8]

Core Viewpoint - The payment system in China has undergone significant development during the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, establishing a modern payment infrastructure that supports economic stability and consumer convenience [2][5]. Group 1: Development Achievements - The People's Bank of China has made substantial progress in building a robust payment infrastructure, enhancing dual openness, and fostering a vibrant industry ecosystem, achieving a modern payment system that ranks among the world's best [2][3]. - The annual growth rate of payment system transactions has averaged 12.52% over the past five years, with the total transaction volume expected to exceed 12 trillion yuan in 2024 [2]. - Mobile payment transactions have increased to 1.71 times the volume of 2020, showcasing China's leadership in this sector [2]. Group 2: Market Structure - A diverse and collaborative payment market has emerged, involving clearing institutions, commercial banks, payment institutions, and industry associations working together to provide efficient payment services [3]. - The China Payment and Clearing Association plays a crucial role in maintaining fair competition and promoting high-quality development within the payment industry [3]. Group 3: Regulatory Framework - The establishment of a regulatory legal framework for the payment industry has been accelerated, with the introduction of the "Non-Bank Payment Institution Supervision Management Regulations" marking a new phase in industry development [4]. - A "zero tolerance" approach is adopted to address illegal activities in the payment sector, focusing on comprehensive risk prevention across the payment process [4]. Group 4: Service Enhancement - The payment service landscape has evolved to include various payment methods, meeting the diverse needs of consumers, with non-cash payment transactions reaching 23 trillion in volume and 22.6 trillion yuan in value during the "14th Five-Year Plan" [5]. - The rapid adoption of mobile payment has transformed consumer behavior and facilitated the growth of the digital economy, bridging the payment gap for underserved populations [5]. Group 5: Cross-Border Payment Progress - The construction of a self-controlled cross-border payment system is underway, with the CIPS facilitating cross-border RMB transactions, which are projected to reach 175 trillion yuan in 2024, reflecting a 43% year-on-year increase [6][7]. - Efforts to enhance cross-border payment interoperability have been made, including the successful connection of rapid payment systems between mainland China and Hong Kong, improving efficiency and reducing costs for cross-border transactions [7][8]. Group 6: Foreign Personnel Payment Services - Initiatives to improve payment services for foreign personnel in China have been implemented, including the ability to register for domestic mobile payment apps using foreign phone numbers and bind foreign bank cards [8]. - The establishment of payment service demonstration zones at airports has significantly enhanced the payment convenience for foreign visitors, with active mobile payment users exceeding 10 million in the first half of 2025 [8].

Core Insights - The core viewpoint of the articles highlights the recent advancements in cross-border payment solutions by UnionPay, particularly the launch of two significant projects in Indonesia and Thailand, which enhance payment convenience for Chinese tourists and promote regional payment ecosystem integration [1][10]. Group 1: Project Launches - On September 11, 2025, UnionPay announced the initiation of a cross-border QR code interconnectivity project between China and Indonesia, with full production expected within the year [1]. - Starting October 27, 2025, UnionPay wallets in China will enable payments via Thailand's PromptPay, making UnionPay the first international card brand to offer this service to Chinese tourists in Thailand [1]. Group 2: Cross-Border Payment Solutions - The Indonesian project has achieved extensive coverage with "tens of millions of merchants and diverse wallets," allowing Chinese users to pay at over 39 million QRIS merchants in Indonesia [3]. - The Thai project extends payment capabilities to millions of merchants, including street vendors and small convenience stores, enhancing the payment experience for Chinese tourists [4]. Group 3: Strategic Collaboration - UnionPay's "four-party model" emphasizes strategic industry integration, collaborating with local networks in Indonesia rather than imposing a foreign system [5]. - The partnership with local payment networks and financial institutions, including Ant International and Bank of China, showcases a cooperative approach that reduces costs and risks while enhancing local acceptance [6]. Group 4: Dual-Track Strategy - UnionPay employs a dual-track strategy of Government-to-Government (G2G) and Network-to-Network (N2N) cooperation, facilitating rapid expansion of its global QR code acceptance network [7]. - The G2G model allows for efficient top-down implementation in policy-driven markets, while the N2N model adapts to local market characteristics, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness [8]. Group 5: Broader Implications - The cross-border QR code interconnectivity not only simplifies payment processes but also serves as a foundation for tourism and trade recovery post-pandemic [11]. - UnionPay's approach to payment standard integration respects local regulations, promoting sustainable and replicable practices across 19 countries [12]. - The projects support local currency settlements, enhancing the use of the Chinese yuan in cross-border transactions, particularly in Southeast Asia [12]. Group 6: Future Outlook - UnionPay aims to create a multi-dimensional cross-border acceptance network that integrates card and QR code payments, enhancing the overall payment ecosystem [14]. - The successful implementation of these projects provides valuable experience for future payment collaborations along the Belt and Road Initiative, fostering mutual trust and convenience between nations [14].

Core Viewpoint - UnionPay International has signed a comprehensive acceptance cooperation agreement with Portugal's national airline, marking a significant expansion of its presence in Europe [1] Group 1: Market Expansion and Partnerships - The agreement with Portugal's national airline is part of UnionPay's strategy to deepen its market presence in Europe, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the EU [1] - UnionPay has established a robust payment network in Europe over the past 20 years, with over 90% of countries and regions in Europe now offering UnionPay services [1] - The company has created a multi-faceted payment system that integrates card, code, and mobile payment options, with over 6 million merchants supporting mobile payments through UnionPay [1] Group 2: Consumer Experience and Payment Solutions - The rise of mobile payments has been significant, with UnionPay mobile transactions in Europe doubling since 2025, becoming the mainstream choice for Chinese tourists [1] - UnionPay offers various advantages for cardholders, including favorable exchange rates and cashback offers, enhancing the consumer experience for outbound Chinese tourists [2] - The tax refund process has been optimized, allowing for real-time refunds through the Cloud Flash Payment app at major international airports in Germany, Spain, Portugal, and Italy [2] Group 3: Product Offerings and Global Reach - UnionPay, in collaboration with the Bank of China Frankfurt branch, has launched the "Jinxiu China Card" in Europe, with over one million UnionPay cards issued across 13 European countries [3] - The global acceptance network of UnionPay has expanded to 183 countries and regions, covering over 74 million merchants and issuing more than 200 million UnionPay cards abroad [3]

Core Insights - UnionPay International has signed a comprehensive acceptance cooperation agreement with Portugal's national airline, marking a significant expansion in Europe [1] - The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, highlighting the deepening economic and cultural exchanges [1] - UnionPay's mobile payment services have seen a doubling in transaction volume since 2025, becoming the mainstream choice for Chinese tourists in Europe [1] Group 1 - UnionPay has established a robust payment network in Europe over the past 20 years, with over 90% of countries and regions in Europe now offering UnionPay services [1] - Approximately 80% of merchants' POS terminals in Europe support UnionPay card transactions, with over 6 million merchants accepting mobile payments via UnionPay [1] - UnionPay's services are integrated into various high-frequency consumption scenarios in Europe, enhancing the travel experience for tourists [1] Group 2 - With the resurgence of outbound tourism from China, the importance of a comprehensive payment network has increased, with a projected 30% year-on-year growth in Chinese citizens' outbound spending in 2024 [2] - UnionPay continues to offer advantages such as multiple discounts, favorable exchange rates, and high cashback for cardholders in several European countries [2] - The tax refund process has been optimized, allowing for real-time refunds through the Cloud Flash Payment app at major international airports in Germany, Spain, Portugal, and Italy [2] Group 3 - UnionPay, in collaboration with the Bank of China Frankfurt branch, has launched the "Jinxiu China Card" in Europe, with over one million UnionPay cards issued across 13 European countries [3] - European Economic Area residents can apply for UnionPay virtual and physical cards via mobile apps, facilitating seamless transactions both locally and in China [3] - UnionPay's global acceptance network now spans 183 countries and regions, covering over 74 million merchants and issuing more than 200 million UnionPay cards abroad [3]

Core Insights - China UnionPay actively responds to the national strategy of addressing population aging, collaborating with banks, institutions, and merchants to enhance the quality of the "silver economy" and inject new momentum into pension finance [1] Payment Security Assurance - On October 10, the Ministry of Civil Affairs announced the first batch of pension service consumption subsidy funds amounting to 1.16 billion yuan, marking the first nationwide subsidy project for elderly individuals with moderate to severe disabilities [2] - China UnionPay ensures smooth usage of consumption vouchers in elderly care scenarios by establishing a comprehensive risk control system and implementing fee reductions, thereby safeguarding the financial interests of the elderly and alleviating operational pressures on care institutions [2] - Various payment methods, including QR codes, social security cards, bank cards, and facial recognition, are supported, particularly retaining card payments familiar to the elderly, effectively bridging the digital divide [2] Warm-hearted Meal Assistance Program - In the community elderly care sector, meal assistance is a key component of the "six assistance" services, with China UnionPay facilitating the distribution of over 280 million yuan in meal subsidies [3] - In Qingdao, nearly 130,000 elderly individuals benefit daily from the meal assistance system supported by UnionPay, experiencing both nutritional meals and government care [3] - By the end of 2025, UnionPay aims to establish meal assistance points in 36 regions across China, ensuring convenient access to affordable and nutritious dining services for the elderly [3] Improved Service System - The "Vitality Life Card," launched by UnionPay in collaboration with multiple banks, integrates 12 exclusive benefits covering travel, health, and transportation, enhancing the experience for elderly users [4] - Over 80% of tertiary hospitals, more than 2,600 4A5A scenic spots, and 85,000 hotels nationwide support UnionPay card payments, facilitating seamless transactions for elderly individuals [4] - The "Caring Version" of the Cloud Flash Payment APP includes features like voice search and facial recognition prompts, making it easier for elderly users unfamiliar with smartphones to operate [4] - UnionPay is committed to building a comprehensive pension financial system, optimizing the elderly experience from community dining to travel and hospital payments, while continuing to deepen collaboration with government departments and industry partners [4]

Core Insights - During the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday from October 1 to 8, UnionPay and Wanglian processed a total of 41.552 billion payment transactions, an increase of 9.523 billion transactions compared to the same holiday period last year [1] - The total payment transaction amount reached 13.26 trillion yuan, which is an increase of 1.86 trillion yuan compared to the same holiday period last year [1] Transaction Volume - The number of payment transactions processed was 41.552 billion, reflecting a significant year-on-year increase [1] - The increase in transaction volume was 95.23 million transactions compared to the previous year [1] Transaction Value - The total transaction value amounted to 13.26 trillion yuan, indicating a robust growth in payment activity [1] - The increase in transaction value was 1.86 trillion yuan compared to the same holiday period last year [1]

（文章来源：央视新闻） 中国人民银行今天（9日）发布的数据显示，2025年国庆中秋假期，银联、网联共处理支付交易415.52 亿笔，较去年国庆节假期增加95.23亿笔；处理支付交易金额13.26万亿元，较去年国庆节假期增加1.86 万亿元。 ...

Core Viewpoint - The development of CIPS represents both the maturity of the RMB cross-border payment technology and a significant leap in the design of financial openness systems [1][19]. Group 1: RMB's Role Transformation - The RMB is transitioning from a wholesale market to a retail market, expanding its role from a settlement tool to a complete currency function [2][4]. - The launch of the cross-border QR code unified gateway signifies a natural extension aimed at enhancing the penetration of RMB in cross-border circulation [4][5]. Group 2: CIPS Development and Expansion - CIPS has seen a nearly eightfold increase in total participants over the past decade, growing from 19 direct participants and 176 indirect participants at its inception to 176 direct and 1,552 indirect participants by August 2025 [8][17]. - The establishment of a RMB clearing bank in Turkey marks a substantial breakthrough for the RMB clearing system in the Eurasian region, enhancing the network's coverage and operational flexibility [7][13]. Group 3: Regulatory Framework and Upgrades - The release of the "RMB Cross-Border Payment System Business Rules (Draft for Comments)" represents a significant institutional upgrade for CIPS, covering all aspects from account management to risk management [10][11]. - The new rules reflect a shift from initial access guidelines to compliance norms, providing a standardized and compliant foundation for the RMB cross-border settlement system [11][14]. Group 4: Financial Infrastructure and Global Integration - CIPS is positioned as a crucial financial infrastructure that aligns with international regulatory standards, facilitating the internationalization of the RMB [14][18]. - The system's capabilities are being enhanced to support a broader range of cross-border transactions, including trade, investment, and personal remittances, thereby solidifying its role as the main channel for RMB payments [10][17].

Core Points - The article emphasizes the importance of card security during the peak travel and shopping season of the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival in China [1][2] - China UnionPay has issued safety tips to cardholders to prevent fraud and ensure secure transactions [1][2] Group 1: Security Tips - Cardholders are advised to be cautious of SMS link risks and to avoid disclosing sensitive information such as card numbers and verification codes [1] - Users should be wary of fraudulent apps and verify any requests from individuals claiming to be customer service representatives [1] - It is recommended to monitor for unusual transactions and report any unauthorized activity immediately to the bank [2]