China's central bank is increasing its focus on stablecoins due to their expanding role in global payments and the international monetary system. Wang Xin, director general of the Research Bureau at the People's Bank of China (PBOC), advocated for closer monitoring, stronger regulation, and enhanced international coordination regarding these privately issued digital currencies.
Wang's remarks, reported by The Paper, highlighted concerns about the potential impact of stablecoins on cross-border transactions and the risk of payment systems being weaponized. He also suggested that the role of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) in cross-border payments warrants further observation and policy cooperation.
These comments follow a February ban by the PBOC and seven other Chinese agencies on the unauthorized issuance of renminbi-pegged stablecoins and tokenized real-world assets, reinforcing China's preference for state-controlled digital currency. The global stablecoin market has seen growth, with its supply reaching $315 billion in the first quarter of 2026, accounting for a significant portion of digital asset market activity.