Improved cross-border payment unlocks inbound tourism consumption potential: CINIC report

China's improvements in cross-border payment interconnection have greatly enhanced the payment experience for overseas visitors and further unlocked the consumption potential of inbound tourism, according to a report released by the China Internet Network Information Center (CINIC) on Thursday.

In 2025, China's online payment transaction volume remained high, and in particular, breakthroughs were achieved in cross-border payment connectivity, showed CINIC's 57th Statistical Report on China's Internet Development.

Under the guidance of the People's Bank of China (PBOC), the country's central bank, the unified cross-border QR code payment network began its trial operation at the end of July 2025, enabling visitors from some countries and regions to use their local e-wallets to complete payment by scanning QR codes at stores in China.

Driven by booming inbound tourism in 2025, China UnionPay launched the "Nihao China" application to serve as a core hub for cross-border payment.

The application is compatible with international cards such as Visa and Mastercard, covers tens of millions of merchants across various industries, including transportation and accommodation, and supports real-time conversion of more than 160 currencies.

Moreover, the international version of Chinese payment service platform giant Alipay has partnered with 40 e-wallets across the Asia-Pacific region, enabling consumers to use applications of their countries to directly complete payment overseas across 150 million stores.

The facilitation of payment has not only unleashed the potential of inbound consumption, but also enhanced the attractiveness of inbound tourism to China, said experts.

"By making payment more convenient, we can solve all the consumption obstacles for inbound tourists. At the same time, solving these obstacles or improving convenience will become an important part of their overall consumption experience in China," said Li Mingtao, chief e-commerce expert at the China International Electronic Commerce Center.

Improved cross-border payment unlocks inbound tourism consumption potential: CINIC report

Some Japanese people said on Thursday that the government led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi must firmly uphold the pacifist constitution.

Their remarks came after French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Japan from Tuesday to Thursday.

Attending a joint press conference with Takaichi on Wednesday, Macron emphasized that France and Japan have agreed on the importance of on the importance of quickly de-escalating the conflict in the Middle East and upholding international law.

Many saw this as a response to a strongly worded post by U.S. President Donald Trump on social media, which criticized France for refusing to cooperate with the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.

Some locals in Tokyo expressed their opposition to Japan's involvement in any war, but said Japan could offer help when the conflict in the Middle East ends.

"I think that Prime Minister Takaichi could offer support, provided that we wouldn't get involved in an armed conflict, such as minesweeping operations at sea, as Japan has the best minesweeping technology in the world," said a resident in Tokyo.

"I'm not entirely sure what consequences will follow Trump's demands. There may be additional tariffs, among other things. Our constitution prohibits [Japan's] from getting involved in war, and Prime Minister Takaichi should uphold this principle," said another resident.

Tokyo residents urge PM Takaichi to uphold pacifist constitution