XRP News Today: State-Owned Airline Explores XRP Payments Abroad Amid China’s Crypto Ban

Cryptocurrencies are currently banned in China, with the government maintaining a strict stance against digital asset trading and payments. However, a state-owned airline in China has made a notable move by exploring XRP-based payment solutions for its international customers. Air China, one of China's three major state-owned airlines, has partnered with Nasdaq-listed Webus International to integrate XRP payments into its overseas platform, potentially offering benefits to over 60 million PhoenixMiles loyalty program members.

The collaboration primarily centers on Webus' Wetour travel brand, which will offer premium chauffeur and airport transfer services to PhoenixMiles members globally. Alongside these services, Webus plans to incorporate XRP as a payment method, enabling faster settlements and blockchain-enabled benefits such as tokenized rewards and vouchers. The integration, however, is explicitly restricted to the overseas platform and is subject to regulatory compliance and future business developments [3].

This move is significant in the context of China's stringent crypto regulations, which prohibit domestic crypto trading and payments. As a result, the XRP integration will not extend to domestic operations. Air China, being part of the government-controlled China National Aviation Holdings, must ensure compliance with Beijing's digital asset policies. The company has emphasized that XRP payments will be available only outside mainland China, aligning with the nation's broader push for the digital yuan (e-CNY) [6].

Webus has previously expressed its intent to establish a $300 million XRP treasury to support its global payment solutions, as outlined in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The company aims to leverage XRP and Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin to facilitate frictionless cross-border settlements. The XRP Ledger (XRPL) is known for its fast transaction settlement times and low fees, making it an attractive option for global fintech and financial services [4].

The decision to test XRP-based payments abroad reflects a broader trend among Chinese state-owned enterprises to explore blockchain technology in international markets while adhering to domestic regulations. Analysts suggest that this cautious approach allows Chinese companies to experiment with digital assets in a controlled manner, potentially gaining insights into global competition without violating national laws. This strategy also aligns with the government's interest in advancing digital financial innovation, albeit under its own framework [5].

The partnership between Webus and Air China highlights the ongoing evolution of blockchain in the travel and payment sectors. By integrating XRP into its loyalty and travel services, Webus is positioning itself as a leader in cross-border digital payments. The initiative could improve customer experience through faster and more efficient transactions, while also reducing operational costs. For Air China, the move could enhance the competitiveness of its PhoenixMiles program in the global market, offering members unique benefits and payment flexibility abroad [3].

Despite the regulatory challenges in China, the interest in blockchain and digital asset infrastructure remains strong in international markets. As more companies explore cross-border payment solutions, XRP’s role in facilitating fast, low-cost transactions continues to gain traction. The collaboration between Webus and Air China is an example of how state-backed enterprises are navigating the complex landscape of digital finance, leveraging technology to expand their global reach while adhering to domestic restrictions [6].

Source:

[1] Thunes and Ripple Expand Global Partnership to Transform Cross-Border Payments (https://www.thunes.com/news/thunes-and-ripple-expand-global-partnership-to-transform-cross-border-payments/)

[2] Streamlining Payments with XRP: The New Frontier of ... (https://www.onesafe.io/blog/enhancing-freelancer-payout-efficiency-xrp-crypto-payroll-solutions)

[3] Nasdaq-listed Webus plans to bring XRP payments to Air China (https://cryptobriefing.com/xrp-payments-air-china/)

[4] Air China to Explore XRP Payment Solutions for 60M+ Members (https://thecryptobasic.com/2025/09/05/air-china-to-explore-xrp-payment-solutions-for-60m-members/)

[5] How Realistic Is Air China's XRP Payment Integration Plan? (https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-1101172-20250906)

[6] Cryptocurrencies are Banned in China: But a State-Controlled Company Makes a Move on XRP (https://en.bitcoinsistemi.com/cryptocurrencies-are-banned-in-china-but-a-state-controlled-company-makes-a-move-on-xrp/)