How the digital yuan works and how it differs from Bitcoin

The digital yuan, or e-CNY, is an official digital currency developed and controlled by the People's Bank of China (PBOC). Unlike Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, the digital yuan is a central issuing asset bank, which gives it a number of unique features. In this text, we will look at how the digital yuan works, its main functions and advantages, and how it differs from Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

1. What is the digital yuan (e-CNY)?

1.1 Description of the digital yuan

The digital yuan, also known as the People's Bank of China Digital Currency (DCEP), is an electronic version of China's national currency, the yuan. Unlike cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, e-CNY is a state currency, and its issue is managed by the Central Bank of China. The goal of creating a digital yuan is to modernize the Chinese financial system, improve the convenience and security of payments, and strengthen control over the money supply in the economy.

The digital yuan has no physical form, but its cost is equivalent to the traditional yuan, which is used for settlements in China. It runs on blockchain technology, but unlike decentralized cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, it is centralized and fully controlled by government agencies.

1.2 Digital Yuan Objectives and Objectives

The main goals of the introduction of the digital yuan are:

- Easy payments: The digital yuan allows you to quickly and safely conduct financial transactions without cash or traditional bank cards.

- Improving financial inclusion: It provides access to financial services for citizens and businesses, especially in remote areas.

- Money supply control: The digital currency helps China's central bank better control the economy and prevent fraud and financial crime.

- Lower reliance on the dollar: The digital yuan could become an important tool for international settlements, helping strengthen the yuan's role on the global stage.

2. How does the digital yuan work?

2.1 Process basis

The digital yuan is powered by blockchain and distributed registry (DLT) technologies, enabling a high degree of transaction security. However, unlike decentralized cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, the digital yuan is centrally supported. This means that all transactions are controlled and monitored by the central bank of China, which allows you to maintain complete control over cash flows in the country.

The digital yuan uses a two-level distribution system:

- Primary level - The People's Bank of China issues digital currency and distributes it through commercial banks and financial institutions.

- Secondary Tier - Commercial banks and financial institutions offer the digital yuan to their customers through mobile applications and other platforms.

2.2 Benefits of the Digital Yuan

The digital yuan has several key advantages:

- Speed and convenience: Payments using the digital yuan take place instantly, and a smartphone or other device with Internet access is enough to make them.

- Traceability and security: All digital yuan transactions are fully transparent and can be tracked by government agencies, helping to improve security and reduce fraud risks.

- Lower costs: Since the digital yuan does not require the use of physical money or traditional bank cards, its implementation helps reduce the cost of servicing financial transactions.

3. How does the digital yuan differ from Bitcoin?

3.1 Centralization against decentralization

The main difference between the digital yuan and Bitcoin is the level of centralization. Bitcoin is a decentralized cryptocurrency based on blockchain, where transactions are confirmed by network participants (miners), and the issue process is limited to a certain number of bitcoins.

By contrast, the digital yuan is controlled by China's central bank. This means that it is fully subordinate to the state and its issue is regulated in accordance with Chinese economic policy. This allows the Chinese authorities to control the money supply, prevent inflation and manage the national currency with a high degree of flexibility.

3.2 Anonymity and Transparency

Bitcoin offers users a certain degree of anonymity, since transactions on the Bitcoin network do not require the disclosure of personal information. However, despite the pseudonyms, all operations are recorded in the public blockchain, and, if desired, they can be tracked.

The digital yuan, by contrast, has full transparency. All transactions using e-CNY are monitored and tracked by government agencies. This means that the use of the digital yuan is not anonymous and its transactions can be verified to prevent fraud or other illegal activities.

3.3 Status and Acceptance

Bitcoin is independent of government agencies and does not have official currency status in most countries of the world. It is used primarily as an investment asset or a means of saving.

The digital yuan, in turn, is the official currency of China and takes part in the official financial system of the country. Its use is supported by the government and is mandatory for all citizens and companies operating within the Chinese economy.

4. The Outlook and Impact of the Digital Yuan on the Global Economy

4.1 Application Extension

Since its pilot launch in several Chinese cities, the digital yuan has become popular with Chinese citizens and small businesses who see it as a convenient and safe way to make financial transactions. In the future, the digital yuan is expected to be used in international settlements, especially in countries where China is actively trading.

4.2 Impact on International Finance

The digital yuan could be an important tool for China in its efforts to reduce reliance on the US dollar for international settlements. Its implementation can help strengthen the position of the yuan in international markets, as well as lead to changes in the global financial system.

Conclusion

The digital yuan is an innovative initiative by China, which is an official digital currency backed by the state and controlled by the central bank. Unlike Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, the digital yuan is centralized and completely subordinate to China's economic policy. Its implementation opens up new opportunities to improve the convenience of financial operations and expands China's influence on the global economy.