China and US: Battle over digital finance

China and the US: The battle over digital finance

In recent years, China and the United States have become central players in the digital finance arena, and their competition in this area is of strategic importance. Both states are actively developing their digital currencies (CBDCs), introducing blockchain technologies and developing approaches to regulating cryptocurrencies. This process significantly affects global financial markets and could change the global economy in the future.

1. China and the Digital Currency: Evolution and Goals

China is actively moving towards creating its own digital currency - the digital yuan (e-CNY). Unlike other cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin and ethereum, the digital yuan is a state currency managed by the Central Bank of China (PBOC). The goal of creating a digital yuan is not only to improve the financial system, but also to ensure financial stability and control economic flows within the country.

The digital yuan should enable faster and safer money transfers, lower operating costs, and help Chinese authorities track transactions in real time, an important step to control the economy and fight money laundering. China is actively testing e-CNY in several major cities, including Shanghai and Beijing, as well as major events such as the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

In addition, China sees the digital currency as an important tool to strengthen international trading positions. The authorities plan to use e-CNY for international settlements, which could put pressure on the US dollar, which has long been the dominant currency in international trade.

2. US and its approach to digital currencies

While China is actively promoting its digital yuan, the United States has not yet made a final decision on the creation of a digital currency of the Central Bank. Instead, the US has focused on regulating existing cryptocurrencies and creating a clearer regulatory framework for blockchain technologies.

However, the idea of creating a digital dollar is also being debated at the legislative level in the United States. The Federal Reserve (Fed) has begun to explore the possibilities of the digital dollar, which, like its Chinese counterpart, will be centralized and will have support from the state. The digital dollar is expected to be used to improve payment systems and improve the efficiency of remittances, both domestically and abroad.

However, the US is also actively promoting the use of decentralised technology and cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin and ethereum, reflecting a more liberal approach to regulating fintech compared to China. Unlike China, which severely restricts the use of cryptocurrencies, the U.S. recognizes their importance and uses blockchain for various innovative projects such as smart contracts and decentralized finance (DeFi).

3. Blockchain technology and competition in financial innovation

Blockchain is a key technology behind both digital currencies and cryptocurrency ecosystems. China is actively developing blockchain technologies, but the state actively controls their use, introducing them into state projects such as digital currency and logistics. China also uses blockchain to build national platforms to record data and ensure trust in government and commercial sectors.

On the other hand, in the United States, blockchain technologies are developing much freer, which allows startups and financial companies to quickly innovate. The DeFi system, which is a decentralized financial services based on blockchain, is actively developing in the United States, where companies are actively researching and implementing blockchain to create new financial products and platforms.

This contrast in approaches to regulating and implementing technology is of great importance to global competition for leadership in digital finance. The US is trying to keep its markets free and open to cryptocurrencies and blockchain innovation, while China is focusing on centralized solutions in order to strengthen control.

4. Global implications for financial markets

Competition between the US and China in digital finance will have huge implications for global financial markets. If the digital yuan becomes widespread, it could reduce the dominance of the U.S. dollar in international trade. While the United States and Western countries may strengthen their efforts to adopt blockchain technologies and create a digital dollar, it is important to remember that many countries in the future can choose between centralized and decentralized financial systems.

International markets could face increased competition between different national currencies, as well as possible difficulties in setting global standards for digital currencies and blockchain technologies. For example, the use of digital currencies in international trade can lead to increased political and economic tensions, especially regarding monetary policies and economic sanctions.

5. The future of China and the United States in digital finance

Both China and the US continue to develop their digital finance strategies, each in its own unique context. China is likely to continue to focus on centralized solutions, such as the digital yuan, to tighten its grip on its economy and expand influence in international trade. The United States, in turn, will seek to support innovations in cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies, seeking to maintain its leadership position in the global economy.

Conclusion

The battle between China and the United States for leadership in digital finance is not just a tech contest, but a strategy game that will shape the future of the global economy. Both China and the United States are actively developing their digital currencies, blockchain platforms and cryptocurrency ecosystems, which will lead to significant changes in the global financial markets. This rivalry will create new opportunities and challenges for international investors and financial institutions in the future.