以阿联酋为例，该国是银联在中东布局最深的市场之一。根据银联披露的信息显示，自2009年银联进入 阿联酋市场以来，不仅基本实现了ATM与商户受理的全覆盖，还开通了大批二维码受理点以及阿联酋 航空、阿提哈德航空的线上受理。2023年，通过与阿联酋主流金融机构RAK银行合作，阿联酋成为中 东首个全部商户POS终端支持银联闪付的国家。从迪拜棕榈岛华尔道夫酒店、朱美拉豪华酒店集团旗下 所有酒店、迪拜购物中心、迪拜水族馆和水下动物园等高端酒店、商场和旅游景点，到香格里拉香宫餐 厅、老木头素食餐厅等热门餐饮与迪拜城市观光大巴在内的交通工具，银联受理场景已实现从日常消费 到高端服务、从旅游购物到航空出行的全场景渗透，初步构建起成熟完善的本地支付生态。 与此同时，土耳其作为银联在中东布局的另一关键市场也取得显著进展。数据显示，土耳其全境已有数 百万商户支持银联支付，其中非接终端数量突破百万台。银联受理网络全面覆盖包括伊斯坦布尔、安塔 利亚、布尔萨、安卡拉、科尼亚等在内的大型旅游城市及地区，并基本覆盖游客常到的免税店、商场、 酒店、租车和珠宝店等核心消费场景。 在"一带一路"倡议深入推进以及全球数字经济加速演进的背景下，中东地区 ...

在"一带一路"倡议深入推进以及全球数字经济加速演进的背景下，中东地区正经历新一轮金融基础 设施升级，对安全、普惠、兼容的支付能力需求日益增长。观察人士指出，作为中国重要的金融基 础设施和全球布局的国际卡组织，银联坚持"互联互通"理念，依托在国际网络、支付科技与本地化 运营方面的积累，正在中东地区产生积极影响。近年来，通过持续完善清算网络、受理生态与移动 支付基础设施建设，其举措有效助推了区域支付体系的数字化升级，为日益紧密的中东与中国经贸 合作提供了重要的金融支撑。 长期深耕，中东受理网络日趋完善 从 市 场 发 展 轨 迹 来 看 ， 中 东 地 区 的 银 联 受 理 网 络 正 日 趋 完 善 。 近 年 来 ， 随 着 能 源 结 构 转 型、人口年轻化和跨境贸易扩容，中东地区各国金融体系对于数字化支付工具的需求不断 提升。根据公开资料显示，为顺应这一趋势，银联稳步推进该区域受理网络、发卡生态与 数 字 支 付 能 力 建 设 。 目 前 ， 银 联 卡 业 务 已 覆 盖 中 东 1 5 个 国 家 ， 在 阿 联 酋 、 卡 塔 尔 、 土 耳 其、巴基斯坦基本实现受理全覆盖，区域内开通数百万台非 ...

Core Insights - China UnionPay has reserved the iTAP (Intelligent Touchless Proximity) protocol in its next-generation smart terminal development roadmap, indicating a strategic focus on enhancing payment technology [1] - The company plans to integrate the iTAP protocol into all new terminals and will also upgrade existing terminals to support this technology [1] - UnionPay has expanded its services to 183 countries, issuing nearly 9.1 billion UnionPay cards, showcasing its global reach and influence in the payment industry [1] Group 1 - China UnionPay is leading the development of smart terminal technology with a focus on the iTAP protocol [1] - The company aims to combine global payment applications with the iTAP protocol in international markets [1] - The integration of iTAP will enhance the functionality of both new and existing payment terminals [1] Group 2 - UnionPay has successfully promoted its card issuance and payment acceptance in 183 countries [1] - The issuance of approximately 9.1 billion UnionPay cards highlights the company's significant market presence [1] - The strategic initiatives reflect UnionPay's commitment to advancing payment technology and expanding its global footprint [1]

Core Viewpoint - The People's Bank of China (PBOC) is enhancing the cross-border payment system for the renminbi (RMB), aiming to improve payment convenience for foreign personnel in China and support the construction of a financial powerhouse, contributing to China's modernization [1][5]. Group 1: Cross-Border Payment System Development - The RMB cross-border payment system (CIPS) has become increasingly significant, with over 1,700 domestic and foreign participants connected by September 2025, reaching more than 5,000 legal banking institutions across 189 countries and regions [1][3]. - In 2024, CIPS is expected to handle RMB 175 trillion in cross-border transactions, marking a 43% year-on-year increase, with an average annual growth rate of 40.3% since the 14th Five-Year Plan [1][3]. - The PBOC is committed to building a multi-channel, widely covered, secure, and efficient RMB cross-border payment clearing network [3][5]. Group 2: Payment Infrastructure and Interconnectivity - The PBOC has successfully connected the fast payment systems of mainland China and Hong Kong, enhancing cross-border remittance efficiency and reducing costs for residents and businesses [4]. - A unified cross-border QR code payment gateway has been established, promoting international cooperation among payment institutions and facilitating mobile payment options for Chinese residents in over 70 countries [4]. - The development of a digital RMB cross-border payment platform is underway, with collaborations with central banks from Hong Kong, Thailand, and the UAE [3][4]. Group 3: RMB's International Standing - The RMB has become the largest settlement currency for China's external payments, the second-largest trade financing currency globally, and the third-largest payment currency, with a weight of 12.28% in the IMF's Special Drawing Rights (SDR) basket [10][11]. - In the first half of 2025, RMB cross-border payment amounts reached RMB 35 trillion, a 14% increase year-on-year, with a record high in both transaction amounts and proportions [10][11]. - The offshore RMB market is developing healthily, with over RMB 10 trillion in RMB financial assets held by foreign entities, and more than 80 countries have included RMB in their foreign exchange reserves [10][11]. Group 4: Bilateral Currency Swap Agreements - The PBOC has renewed bilateral currency swap agreements with multiple countries, including Iceland, the European Central Bank, and others, to enhance financial cooperation and facilitate trade [7][8]. - The bilateral currency swap agreements aim to provide liquidity and stabilize financial markets, with various agreements having different scales and effective periods [7][8].

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 Viewpoint - China UnionPay has been actively contributing to the high-quality development of Xinjiang by providing safe, convenient, and efficient payment services, marking its commitment to corporate social responsibility during the 70th anniversary celebration of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region [1] Group 1: Payment Services Expansion - China UnionPay has established over 1 million UnionPay cards in Xinjiang and has surpassed 10 million registered users on the Cloud Flash Payment APP [1] - The company has built over 13,000 rural payment service points to enhance financial accessibility for farmers and herders, allowing them to perform transactions without leaving their villages [2] - UnionPay has achieved full payment coverage in high-frequency service sectors such as food, accommodation, transportation, and healthcare, and has implemented a "one-stop" payment system for government services [2] Group 2: Economic Development Initiatives - UnionPay is actively involved in government consumption voucher distribution and promotional activities to stimulate consumption in various sectors, including automotive and retail [3] - The company has launched over 3 million "Rural Revitalization Theme Cards" in collaboration with commercial banks to support agricultural development [3] - UnionPay has facilitated cross-border payment convenience by issuing over 1.7 million "Silk Road Cultural Theme Cards" and exploring new settlement models for cross-border trade [3] Group 3: Technological Integration and Future Plans - UnionPay has introduced the "Xinjiang Tourism Digital Card" to enhance the travel experience by integrating various consumer rights [4] - The company has developed a comprehensive solution for truck ETC, helping the logistics industry save over 370 million yuan [4] - Looking ahead, UnionPay aims to deepen its financial service layout in Xinjiang, enhance cross-border collaboration, and build a secure payment ecosystem to contribute to the modernization of Xinjiang [4]

Core Viewpoint - Recent changes in credit card foreign currency transactions by several banks, including China Merchants Bank and Ping An Bank, have shifted from USD to RMB for cross-border transactions, potentially reducing currency exchange friction costs and enhancing card usage willingness [1][2]. Group 1: Credit Card Currency Upgrade - China Merchants Bank announced that starting October 28, 2025, certain Mastercard credit card cross-border transactions will switch from USD to RMB, streamlining the currency conversion process [2]. - Ping An Bank will also support RMB for foreign currency transactions starting September 25, allowing customers to choose between RMB and USD for their transactions [2]. - This upgrade primarily affects Mastercard products, including standard, platinum, and world credit cards issued by China Merchants Bank [2][3]. Group 2: Market Dynamics and Competition - The currency upgrade is seen as a response to competitive pressures among card organizations, with Mastercard and American Express having established local operations in China [4][5]. - The upgrade may help expand Mastercard's issuance scale in China, benefiting the initial cooperating banks [6]. - The dual branding of cards in China, such as "Mastercard + UnionPay," is unique and stems from historical market conditions prior to China's WTO accession [6]. Group 3: Industry Challenges - The credit card industry is under pressure, with a reported decline in the total number of credit cards and transaction volumes across major banks [9]. - For instance, China Merchants Bank reported an 8.54% year-on-year decline in credit card transaction amounts [9]. - The currency switch is expected to have minimal immediate impact on consumers, primarily reflecting slight cost adjustments rather than significant benefits [10].

Core Viewpoint - China UnionPay has announced the termination of Citibank (China) Co., Ltd.'s membership, which restricts Citibank's ability to process RMB payment transactions through the UnionPay network, impacting its credit card and payment tool usage in China [1][2][4] Group 1: Membership Termination - The termination of Citibank's UnionPay membership reduces the number of foreign banks with UnionPay membership in China from 9 to 8, with remaining members including HSBC, Standard Chartered, and others [1][4] - This membership is crucial for foreign financial institutions to access China's local payment clearing system, and its loss significantly limits Citibank's service capabilities in the retail payment sector [4][5] Group 2: Business Adjustments - The termination is part of Citibank's ongoing strategic withdrawal from personal banking in China, which has been evident since the announcement in April 2021 to exit personal banking in 14 markets, including mainland China [5][6] - Recent leadership changes at Citibank China, including the resignation of its chairman and changes in legal representatives, may be linked to the adjustments in business qualifications, although no official explanation has been provided [4][5] Group 3: Strategic Shift - Citibank's exit from UnionPay is a concrete step in its global strategy to reduce retail banking operations and focus on institutional clients and wealth management [5][6] - The bank's recent actions, including the sale of its personal banking wealth management business to HSBC and the cessation of personal credit card transactions, indicate a comprehensive retreat from retail operations [5][6]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the "UnionPay Poetry POS Machine" initiative, which has successfully brought poetry written by children from rural China to Thailand, fostering cultural exchange and charitable contributions [1][5][7]. Group 1: Initiative Overview - The "UnionPay Poetry POS Machine" was launched in 2019 and has now expanded internationally, marking its first overseas event in Bangkok, Thailand, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of China-Thailand diplomatic relations [1][5]. - The initiative aims to connect different cultures through poetry, allowing children from rural areas to share their creative expressions with a broader audience [5][7]. Group 2: Event Details - The event in Bangkok featured a vibrant display of Chinese lanterns adorned with poetry from Chinese children, creating a poetic atmosphere during the Chinese Lantern Festival [2][5]. - Visitors could donate using UnionPay cards at the Poetry POS Machine, receiving a bilingual poetry receipt, with proceeds directed towards improving children's education and living conditions in Thailand [2][5]. Group 3: Impact and Achievements - Over the past seven years, the initiative has reached over 400 rural schools across various provinces in China, helping more than 7,000 children access arts education and collecting over 6,000 poems [7]. - The program has also led to the publication of a poetry collection titled "Little Poets in the Mountains" and established the first UnionPay public library and 114 reading corners in rural areas [7].