Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolving landscape of cross-border payment systems, highlighting the challenges faced by traditional infrastructures and the emergence of new payment methods driven by geopolitical tensions and technological advancements [2][34]. Traditional Cross-Border Payment - Cross-border payment involves the transfer of funds across countries, which is often complex and requires intermediaries like correspondent banks [10][12]. - SWIFT and CHIPS are key components of the traditional cross-border payment system, with SWIFT facilitating communication between banks and CHIPS handling the actual fund transfers [19][20]. - The global cross-border payment market is projected to reach $212.55 billion in 2024, growing to $320.73 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.1% [5]. Challenges in Traditional Systems - Traditional cross-border payment systems are criticized for being inefficient, costly, and vulnerable to political manipulation, as seen in the sanctions against Russia [27][32]. - The dominance of the US dollar in global transactions (41% of cross-border payments) and its role in SWIFT has raised concerns about the politicization of payment systems [32][34]. Emergence of New Payment Methods - New payment infrastructures are emerging in response to the limitations of traditional systems, with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and USDT gaining popularity for their speed and lower costs [35]. - However, the volatility of cryptocurrencies and the lack of regulatory frameworks pose significant risks [35]. Renminbi Cross-Border Payment - The CIPS (Cross-Border Interbank Payment System) is a Chinese initiative aimed at enhancing the international use of the Renminbi, providing a faster and cheaper alternative to SWIFT [38][40]. - CIPS has seen rapid growth, with 174 participating institutions and a transaction volume of 175.5 trillion Renminbi, marking a 43% year-on-year increase [43]. - The CIPS 2.0 system significantly reduces transaction costs and processing times, with some transactions completed in seconds compared to days with SWIFT [41][44]. Future Developments - China is exploring further innovations in cross-border payments, including digital Renminbi and stablecoin initiatives, to enhance efficiency and reduce reliance on traditional banking systems [45][46]. - The ongoing development of these systems is crucial for establishing a stable and reliable cross-border payment environment for the Renminbi [47].