The rapid internationalization of the RMB since 2009 raises many interesting questions, including: Why has this change been so fast? What is the rationality behind this new process? What economic consequences will it produce? What kinds of policies should China adopt to make the process smooth and sustainable? In this paper, we first describe the main developments of RMB internationalization and discuss the rationality of the process, by comparing its benefits and costs. Then, based on the historical experience of the main international currencies, we use a Size-Liquidity-Credibility analytical framework for understanding the determinants of being an international currency. Using this framework, we then provide some policy suggestions for making RMB internationalization a sustainable process.

China's large current account surpluses not only destabilize its own macroeconomic conditions, but are also a focal point for global rebalancing discussions. Existing explanations by the literature fail either to account for the recent surge or to offer actionablepolicy responses. In this study, we propose an alternative hypothesis: asymmetric market liberalization and associated cost distortions. These distortions are producer subsidy equivalents, which contributed to both extraordinary growth performance and the growing structural imbalances. Our rough estimates of such factor cost distortions offer some explanations for recent movements of the current account. We argue that China needs to adopt a comprehensive reform package to rebalance its economy.