Renminbi Internationalisation: A Primer

This paper provides a succinct introduction to the internationalisation of the renminbi, a subject of increasing importance in the economics of China. It attempts to shed light on the following questions: Why do non-Chinese residents have incentives to hold renminbi-denominated assets and liabilities? How do non-Chinese residents acquire renminbi-denominated assets and liabilities? Does this not require convertibility of the renminbi under the capital account of the balance of payments? What are the roles of official policies and market forces in driving the process of renminbi internationalisation?