Part 9/13:
Sanctions, once a straightforward weapon, could become less effective if countries adopt China’s digital payment infrastructure. For example, Iran’s reliance on U.S.-controlled financial systems was instrumental in its economic isolation. If Iran or other U.S. adversaries can bypass SWIFT and the dollar, efforts to pressure or isolate regime behaviors might falter. The U.S. is aware of these risks, leading to efforts to develop its own digital payment tools, but the challenge remains formidable.