In recent years, pairing assistance programs characterized by horizontal transfer have played an active role in promoting balanced regional development, enhancing national unity and responding to major emergencies. These efforts have sparkled discussions on the necessity of establishing horizontal transfer payment system. Through detailed analysis, this paper argues that building such a system in China currently faces several challenges, such as weak foundations, potential reconfiguration of central-local government dynamics, and increased administrative costs. Moreover, the current central transfer payment system and emergency expenditure policies have basically achieved vertical and horizontal balance. Therefore, it is not necessary to construct the horizontal transfer payment system. Instead, it should address the shortcomings of the current system, further clarify the division of affairs and expenditure responsibilities, improve the pattern of income division, optimize the structure of transfer payments, and strictly monitor and evaluate the mechanism of transfer payments.