Rumors have been swirling around the financial world of late that China is maneuvering to position its currency, the yuan, as the next global reserve currency, potentially dethroning the US dollar. Catchy headlines have suggested that the dollar’s supremacy is under threat, with China as the main contender vying for the top spot.

Historian Niall Ferguson has weighed in on the debate, opining that while the yuan could rise in significance, it isn’t likely to replace the dollar in the next two decades. Indeed, even the euro, despite its strong global presence, hasn’t managed to dislodge the dollar in its more than 20 years of circulation.

This debate often weaves into the broader narrative of de-dollarization, primarily driven by emerging nations. Yet, the yuan holds the fourth spot as the most commonly held currency after the dollar, euro, and yen, according to the European Central Bank.

Despite perceived dissatisfaction with US dominance in global politics, culture, and finance, Beijing is yet to explicitly advocate for the yuan, often referred to as the “redback”, to usurp the dollar’s crown.

What’s China’s Stance on De-dollarization and Yuan’s Ascendancy?

China’s leader, Xi Jinping, has been vocal about internationalizing the yuan but has stopped short of advocating its dominance. At the once-every-five-years Chinese Communist Party congress in October 2022, Xi projected a vision of an economically independent China, insulated from external shocks. His speech came in the wake of sanctions levied on Russia by other nations.

China’s goal of “Fortress China” does not, however, imply a desire to supplant the dollar with the yuan. Rory Green, chief economist for China at TS Lombard, asserts that China isn’t ready for a complete break from the dollar. Key challenges remain, including Beijing’s hesitance to open its capital accounts or run a deficit.

Analysts focusing on China have noted that Beijing’s language has focused on internationalization and facilitating usage of the yuan, not on replacing the dollar as the dominant reserve currency.

Chinese Media’s Take on the Yuan’s Rise

While the Chinese administration has been nuanced in its communication about the yuan, the country’s state media has been more direct. It has celebrated the rise of the yuan, all the while critiquing the challenges of a dollar-dominated global trading system.

Nonetheless, as per Xi’s instruction, these media outlets have promoted a steady and prudent approach to broadening the international use of the yuan. There has been significant coverage of the yuan’s internationalization, with a notable focus on the rise in yuan transactions on the SWIFT financial-messaging system.

A Call for Rationality Amidst De-dollarization

Despite the fervent media coverage, some voices in China are calling for a more measured approach. In an April commentary, Liqing Zhang, director of international-finance studies at the Central University of Finance and Economics in Beijing, urged for a rational view on de-dollarization.

Zhang pointed out that factors like the Federal Reserve’s monetary tightening play a significant role in de-dollarization rather than geopolitical maneuvers. He also noted that local currency settlement doesn’t necessarily undermine the dollar’s status as a global reserve and pricing currency.

Given these factors, it’s important to critically assess the narrative surrounding the yuan’s rise to global prominence. The key takeaway is that China’s ambition to internationalize the yuan doesn’t necessarily translate to a direct challenge to the dollar’s dominance. The financial world is complex, and it’s crucial to understand the nuanced strategies of key global players like China. After all, currency influence is a marathon, not a sprint.