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Robbery is rarely a funny story to cover, but a couple of years ago, the story of two men attempting burglary in East China’s Hangzhou city provoked more than a few laughs. From their three attempts, the burglars gained no more than $260, as nearly everyone in the country uses digital payment methods.
For years now, the Chinese population has integrated the digital world into their daily lives. Payments are no exception. In 2023, Alipay and WeChat combined processed approximately 90% of over US$7.5 trillion in transaction value for digital wallets in China.
This digital embrace has been strongly encouraged by the Chinese government as a way to promote financial inclusion. The development of the Digital Currency Electronic Payment (DCEP) system, also known as the digital yuan, aims to modernize the payment infrastructure.
Payment method distribution
Mobile payments
There is no doubt the Chinese payment market is dominated by mobile payments. Chosen for their convenience, these platforms utilize QR code technology to facilitate seamless and instantaneous transactions.
Alipay
The payment platform accounts for 62.6% of the payment market. Launched by Alibaba Group, Alipay offers a comprehensive range of services, including bill payments, money transfers, and shopping. Its integration with the vast Alibaba ecosystem has significantly contributed to its widespread adoption.
Alipay has over a billion users around the globe, with 900 million in China alone. The platform processes more than 100 million transactions daily, reflecting its pivotal role in the Chinese economy.
WeChat Pay
The mobile payment and digital wallet service by Tencent, represents 40% of the Chinese payment market. Integrated into the popular social messaging app WeChat, this platform allows users to pay for goods and services, transfer money, and even book flights and hotels.
The convenience of having payment functionalities embedded within a social app has made WeChat Pay incredibly popular. By 2023, WeChat Pay had over 1.2 billion active users, highlighting its extensive reach within China and its growing influence in the global market.
Credit and debit cards
Often complemented with digital platforms, traditional payment methods like credit and debit cards remain popular for their sense of security. Additionally, credit and debit cards provide benefits such as access to banking, larger purchases, and financial flexibility.
UnionPay
China's largest card payment organization, plays a significant role in the payment landscape. It offers both credit and debit card services and has a substantial international presence. UnionPay cards are accepted in over 170 countries, making them a versatile payment option for Chinese travelers and businesses. Currently, they had issued over 9 billion cards globally, processing transactions worth trillions of dollars annually.
The digital yuan: a glimpse into the future
The Digital Currency Electronic Payment (DCEP) system, also known as the digital yuan, represents a significant leap towards a fully digital economy. Developed by the People's Bank of China, the digital yuan aims to provide a state-backed digital currency that can be used for both online and offline transactions.
This initiative not only modernizes the payment infrastructure but also aims to enhance monetary policy efficiency and reduce risks associated with money laundering and other financial crimes. By implementing the digital yuan, the Chinese government seeks to increase the traceability and transparency of financial transactions, which can help combat illicit activities.
Pilot programs and future prospects
China has been actively testing the digital yuan through pilot programs in several cities, including Shenzhen, Suzhou, and Chengdu. These initiatives have seen positive feedback, with millions of digital yuan being distributed and used in real-world transactions.
The government plans to expand these trials and eventually integrate the digital yuan into the broader financial system, potentially setting a global precedent for digital currency adoption. Moreover, this strategic vision extends beyond domestic borders, as China seeks to establish itself as a trailblazer in the realm of digital currency.
