China trials cross-border deals involving central bank digital currencies

SHANGHAI  – A central bank digital currency trial focused on cross-border transactions has been completed, the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) said, with Chinese state-owned banks participating as Beijing tries to internationalise its digital yuan.

More than 160 cross-border payments and foreign exchange transactions totalling more than $22 million were made during the first trial involving four central bank currencies and real-value transactions, the BIS said in a statement.

The development comes as the U.S. dollar is surging against other currencies and triggering capital outflows out of emerging markets, threatening their economic health.

The multiple Central Bank Digital Currency (mCBDC) Bridge test developed by BIS included China, Hong Kong, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates and was designed to deliver real-time, cheaper and safer cross-border payments and settlements, the BIS said.

Bank of Communications said it and four other Chinese banks had completed the mCBDC Bridge test to settle payments for corporate customers.

State media reported on Thursday that Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and Agricultural Bank of China were among the 20 participating commercial banks.

China has been testing its digital currency in major cities, mainly for domestic retail payments, though the central bank has also vowed to explore cross-border payments in digital yuan.

The world’s second-largest economy has said it is willing to discuss setting global standards for digital fiat currency as the international monetary system develops.

Russia, sanctioned by the West over its war in Ukraine, has announced plans to use its own digital currency to trade with China.