PBOC outlines 2026 plan to expand digital yuan and cross-border RMB infrastructure after Laos pilot
On January 5–6, 2026, the People's Bank of China set out a work plan to steadily advance the digital yuan and upgrade infrastructure for cross-border RMB use. The central bank aims to promote e-CNY in trade and investment, broaden international payment system links, and deepen QR code payment cooperation with other countries. It will also maintain a moderately loose monetary stance in 2026, refine Bond Connect and Swap Connect, and tighten oversight of virtual cryptocurrencies and related illicit activities.