The following thesis examines the potential of the Renminbi (RMB) to become the key trade and reserve currency in the East Asia and Southeast Asia regions. China has become the largest manufacturing hub, second-largest economy, and the largest trading nation in the world. Can Beijing leverage its strong economic position and internationalize its currency? Is the Chinese Yuan capable of ousting the American Dollar as the primary trade and reserve currency in the regions of East and Southeast Asia? This thesis argues against such development. Arguments supporting or hindering the likelihood of the RMB becoming a regional key currency are examined and evaluated. Those include the slowdown of Chinese economic growth, uncertainties regarding the stability and liquidity of the Chinese currency, and internal/external politics and policies of the country. On the other hand, we may mention the politically motivated drive for de-dollarization by certain nations (i.e., BRICS nations); the Belt and Road Initiative, and similar projects denoted in RMB; and perhaps most important of all – the volume of trade flowing into and out of China.