China Rumored to Eye Bitcoin as Strategic Asset Amid U.S. Tensions

Long-time Bitcoin advocate Samson Mow has stirred fresh debate by hinting that China could be preparing to adopt Bitcoin—not for public or corporate use, but as a strategic reserve. Mow’s cryptic social media post drew attention due to its timing and implications, especially amid rising U.S.-China tensions and shifting global economic dynamics.

With both countries imposing 34% tariffs on each other's goods, Mow suggested that China might leverage its energy surplus—particularly from the 26 nuclear reactors currently under construction—to mine Bitcoin domestically. Notably, most Bitcoin mining equipment still originates from Chinese manufacturers. In theory, China could restrict exports and use that infrastructure to build a national Bitcoin reserve, similar to what the U.S. is reportedly doing.

This idea, though speculative, aligns with China's current economic crossroads. Facing mounting pressure from U.S. sanctions and internal economic stress, China’s options appear limited: devalue the yuan, inject $2–3 trillion into its economy, or bend to U.S. terms. Mow’s proposed “fourth option” positions Bitcoin as a potential geopolitical asset, not just a currency.

Although China banned Bitcoin trading and mining in 2021, the presence of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs in Hong Kong—a region under Chinese control—keeps the door slightly ajar. Talk of a “Chinese Strategic Bitcoin Reserve” remains speculative, but the narrative is gaining traction, especially following recent claims that China may be quietly accumulating Bitcoin behind the scenes.

As Bitcoin continues to play a growing role in global financial strategy, China’s next move could reshape not just the crypto market, but the balance of economic power. While nothing is confirmed, the implications of such a pivot are impossible to ignore.