China Accuses U.S. of Stealing 127,426 Bitcoin Worth $13 Billion
China has launched a sharp diplomatic attack against the United States after claiming that U.S. authorities unlawfully seized 127,426 Bitcoin — a digital fortune currently valued at more than $13 billion. The allegation has immediately turned a major crypto enforcement operation into a high-stakes geopolitical conflict.
Why China Says Bitcoin Was Stolen
According to Chinese officials and media sources, the cryptocurrency allegedly taken by the U.S. does not belong to cybercriminals, but to Chinese citizens and digital-asset holders whose funds were taken beyond the boundaries of international law.
China argues that the U.S., by controlling billions in seized Bitcoin, is essentially profiting from global policing power — especially as crypto becomes a new arena of economic competition.
U.S. Authorities Say They Confiscated Criminal Assets
The U.S. Department of Justice has repeatedly stated that large Bitcoin seizures typically involve:
- Cybercrime operations
- Money laundering networks
- Cross-border fraud rings
- Hacks and ransomware groups
In past cases, seized Bitcoin is held in secure government wallets until forfeiture rulings are finalized. But China claims that in this situation, those seizures targeted lawful funds.
Why This Fight Is Bigger Than Bitcoin
The dispute arrives amid intense digital rivalry between the two global superpowers. With cryptocurrency becoming an economic tool of influence, the conflict reveals a deeper struggle over:
- Control of global financial technology
- Jurisdiction over borderless digital currencies
- Cybersecurity and surveillance power
This case highlights how digital assets have shifted from investment vehicles to state-level wealth and leverage.
The $13 Billion Shockwave to Crypto Markets
With Bitcoin supply capped at 21 million, the seized amount represents:
- ~0.6% of all Bitcoin that will ever exist
- A stash larger than the GDP of multiple nations
Crypto analysts warn that if even a fraction of the seized coins are liquidated through auctions, the market could enter severe volatility.
Market Risks Ahead:
- Price correction if coins are sold
- Institutional hesitation in global crypto flows
- Regulator crackdowns spreading internationally
What Happens Next?
Diplomats and legal experts expect the situation to escalate if the U.S. does not address China’s demands. Possible fallout scenarios include:
- Bilateral sanctions or legal challenges
- International arbitrations on crypto jurisdiction
- New global rules for digital asset ownership
As the crypto revolution continues, this $13 billion dispute may shape the future balance of power in digital finance.
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