The Long-Drawn Process of reform of the Exchange Rate Regime and the Evolution of China’s Exchange Rate Policy

Abstract

ABSTRACTAn inflexible exchange rate not only brings the traditional problem of impossible trinity but also contributes to the formation of China’s irrational international balance of payments structure characterized by the so-called twin surpluses (current account and capital account surpluses). As a result, though China has some 2 trillion USD net foreign assets, it runs investment income deficits for more than a decade. Furthermore, when the RMB is under appreciation pressure, the inflexibility brings about inflows of hot money. When the RMB is under depreciation pressure, the inflexibility facilitates the unwinding of carry trade and capital flights. On the whole, China is too cautious in reforming its exchange rate regime. Instead of designing various cumbersome central parity rate-setting rules, China should make up its mind to float the RMB as soon as possible.