A cashless future?
随着移动支付的兴起与普及，越来越多的人出门不再带钱包了，仅凭一部手机就可以随意地买买买。然而，移动支付为人们带来便捷的同时，也引发了一些质疑……
It is becoming a growing trend that more and more consumers across the country are using cashless payment methods.
In fact, as early as 1988, the State Council released regulations to encourage bank transfers and to reduce using cash during economic activities.
Today, the move toward a cashless society could reduce the risks of using cash, save on costs and as a matter of convenience, prevent illegal activities.
The rapid development of thirdparty mobile payment tools, to some extent, is helping to boost cashless payments across the country.
But China is not the first country to seek a cashless society. Developed states like Sweden, Denmark and Singapore are also witnessing cashless payment methods increase.
The rapid development of cashless payments does not mean there are no challenges and criticisms.
Alipay and WeChat Pay, the nation's two major thirdparty mobile payment tools, also launched campaigns this month to encourage more merchants and customers to use cashless payment methods. Within the campaigns, both called for the establishment of a “cashless society”， which provoked concerns over whether cash will soon disappear.
Dong emphasized that a cashless society would not mean that cash would completely disappear. As the economy grows, the circulation of cash is still very huge.
He believes that it's “ridiculous” to question digital payment tools' contribution toward financial development. He said that people should be more tolerant toward emerging mobile payment platforms.
“In the long term, various payment methods will be used by consumers”， predicted Dong. “Ultimately, merchants should respect consumers' payment habits.”
