<p>China's research into its national digital currency has reportedly been delayed due to the outbreak of the coronavirus.</p> <p>"The coronavirus outbreak has led to postponed work resumption in government institutions, including the People's Bank of China," an anonymous source close to the matter <a href="https://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1180737.shtml">told</a> The Global Times on Tuesday. The launch of digital yuan, however, could go ahead as planned.</p> <p>This is because the central bank has "abundant talent" and a technological roadmap to catch up with the process. The pilot run is also said to be carried out as scheduled this year.</p> <p>China's digital yuan, or Digital Currency Electronic Payment (DCEP), is expected to make a debut later this year. But the launch date remains unknown.</p> <p>Last month, the central bank said digital yuan is "<a href="https://www.theblockcrypto.com/linked/52092/chinas-digital-currency-progressing-smoothly-says-central-bank">progressing smoothly</a>" and that its "<a href="https://www.theblockcrypto.com/linked/52616/chinas-central-bank-says-it-has-completed-top-level-design-of-digital-currency">top-level</a>" design has been completed.<br /> <br /> China's much-anticipated digital yuan will be first <a href="https://www.theblockcrypto.com/post/49659/report-chinas-central-bank-to-test-digital-currency-in-two-cities-partnering-with-state-backed-commercial-banks-and-telecom-giants">distributed</a> to commercial banks and then users and businesses can register digital wallets with these commercial banks. The <a href="https://www.theblockcrypto.com/post/49659/report-chinas-central-bank-to-test-digital-currency-in-two-cities-partnering-with-state-backed-commercial-banks-and-telecom-giants">first cities to pilot</a> digital currency are said to be Shenzhen and Suzhou.</p>