China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS) has warned that a foreign crypto company is collecting iris scan data under the guise of token distribution, raising serious concerns about personal and national security.

In an Aug. 5 statement, the ministry revealed that the firm is gathering iris data from users worldwide and transmitting it to an overseas database. Authorities did not name the company, but they cautioned that the biometric information could be exploited if it fell into the wrong hands.

The MSS stressed that iris data, like other forms of biometric information, could be used for identity theft, fraud, and illegal surveillance once leaked.

Officials cited recent examples, including a foreign firm whose fingerprint payment system was compromised due to weak security controls. Hackers reportedly accessed sensitive user data by breaching the company’s internal systems.

According to the ministry, there is mounting evidence that foreign intelligence agencies have engaged in unauthorized collection of facial and biometric data. These actors allegedly falsify such data to access secure environments and conduct surveillance operations.

The MSS noted this represents a growing risk to China’s national security.

Considering this, the authorities stressed that Chinese law provides strict safeguards around biometric data, including facial and iris recognition technologies.

The MSS urged both citizens and organizations to comply with existing legal frameworks. It also encouraged the public to remain alert and report suspicious data collection activities.

Worldcoin suspected

While the Chinese ministry avoided directly naming the company, the description closely aligns with Worldcoin, which has now been rebranded as World.

The project scans users’ irises in return for WLD tokens, a practice already under investigation in multiple jurisdictions.

Over the past year, the Sam Altman-backed company has recorded significant growth by scanning the irises of more than 10 million people worldwide. At the same time, the firm has also expanded into countries like the United States and Malaysia.

However, its operations have triggered regulatory scrutiny in Colombia, Germany, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Indonesia.

Authorities in those regions have raised red flags over data protection violations, non-compliance with privacy laws, and a lack of transparency.

Meanwhile, Worldcoin has continued to stress its commitment to legal compliance, hashed data, and the high standards of its users’ privacy protection.

Mentioned in this article

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Tim Hakki

Web 3 Journalist

Tim Hakki

About Author

A journalist and copywriter with a decade’s experience across music, video games, finance and tech.

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Last updated: 

August 5, 2025

DeepSeek AI predicts holders of XRP, Pepe and Shiba Inu could see their bags blow up before 2025 concludes.

Just last month, Bitcoin shattered previous records, soaring to a new all-time high (ATH) of $122,838. Given last year’s halving, recent positive signs from US regulators could catalyze global crypto adoption.

In a pivotal announcement last week, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) unveiled “Project Crypto”, a regulatory overhaul designed to modernize securities laws. SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins referred to it as the agency’s “guiding light” in supporting President Trump’s bold aim to establish the U.S. as the world’s foremost crypto hub.

So, with lots to look forward to, here are the assets DeepSeek AI predics could offer the most impressive returns as we head into the holiday season.

XRP (Ripple): DeepSeek AI Predicts More Fresh ATHs by New Year

DeepSeek AI hypothesizes XRP (XRP) (Ripple’s native token) could climb to $5 or higher before the end of 2025, a 63% increase from its current trading value near $3.08.

XRP has shown consistent strength throughout the year. On July 18, it achieved a new record high of $3.65, eclipsing its prior peak from 2018. Over the last month, the token has surged by 36%, outperforming Bitcoin and nearly all other top-tier altcoins and meme coins.

A combination of regulatory breakthroughs, institutional adoption, and speculation about a potential ETF launch tied to the asset gives XRP a bullish outlook.

XRP is highly efficient for global transactions, offering lightning-fast speed and minimal fees with no intermediaries, qualities that have made it ideal for enterprise and cross-border payments. In 2024, the United Nations Capital Development Fund endorsed XRP as a preferred option for remittance solutions.

A key turning point came in 2023 when a U.S. court ruled that XRP’s retail transactions did not qualify as securities. This decision, followed by the SEC’s formal closure of its investigation in early 2025, removed a major regulatory cloud from the token’s future.

Currently, XRP is trading roughly 16% below its recent ATH. If it reclaims and breaks above that resistance, DeepSeek’s $5 target could be within reach, while ChatGPT’s more optimistic outlook puts a potential ceiling at $20, assuming favorable conditions prevail.

The RSI (Relative Strength Index) for XRP has declined from a recent peak of 86 to 49, signaling the asset is cooling off after heavy buying and may be preparing for its next leg higher as the RSI is uptrending again.

If regulatory tailwinds continue, XRP could exceed even the most bullish expectations. Over the past 12 months, it has gained 561%, quadrupling Bitcoin’s 118% rise in the same period.

Pepe (PEPE): DeepSeek AI Predicts 6x Growth Potential by Year’s End

Next up is Pepe ($PEPE), a meme coin launched in April 2023 and inspired by Matt Furie’s iconic internet frog. Now among the top three meme tokens by market cap, PEPE commands a $4.5 billion valuation and leads all non-dog-themed meme assets.

Despite fierce competition in the meme sector, PEPE continues to shine due to its vibrant community and deep liquidity. Elon Musk has hinted at holding PEPE alongside Dogecoin, occasionally dropping cryptic references on his social media profiles. He even briefly changed his X profile pic to Pepe last year.

PEPE is currently trading around $0.00001063, gaining 8.4% over the past month and 2% overnight, outperforming Bitcoin in both periods. While it has dropped 10% in the past week, this mirrors broader meme coin volatility, as major competitors like SHIB and DOGE also saw 7–8% daily declines in that period.

DeepSeek AI projects that PEPE could rise to $0.00006 by December, a 6x gain and a major move above its previous all-time high of $0.00002803 set in late 2024.

Inspection of its price chart yields a descending wedge pattern stretching from November to March, typically indicative of an incoming price breakout upwards.

If overall market sentiment remains positive and regulatory support increases, PEPE may even surpass DeepSeek’s baseline predictions before the year wraps up.

Shiba Inu (SHIB): Multibillion Dollar Market Cap Dogecoin Challenger Could 5x in Bull Market

Launched in August 2020, Shiba Inu (SHIB) has secured its position as the second-largest meme coin after Dogecoin, boasting a market valuation around $7.3 billion.

Currently trading around $0.00001232, SHIB appears to be breaking out of two key technical formations, a long-term descending wedge and a bullish flag that formed earlier this year.

Should SHIB break through overhead resistance near $0.000025, DeepSeek AI predicts a move to the $0.00003 to $0.00006 range, representing a potential 300% surge from current levels.

Technical indicators support the possibility of an imminent rally. The RSI is sitting at 42 and trending upward, signaling buying momentum is steadily increasing. If the rest of the market’s growth sustains itself, this will likely result in a rapid rebound as buyers re-enter.

Token burns also continue to drive scarcity. In a single week this July, over 1.3 billion SHIB were permanently removed from circulation, increasing the burn rate by more than 2,000%.

Additionally, SHIB is evolving beyond its meme origins. It’s now integrated with Ethereum and features Shibarium—a Layer-2 protocol designed to improve scalability, lower transaction fees, and support dApp development.

TOKEN6900: Viral Meme Coin with Potential for 1000x Gains

While DeepSeek AI predicts propitious things for top-tier altcoins, their massive market caps limit the chance of exponential returns. For those seeking astronomical gains, new meme coin presales remain the go-to avenue to recapture the halcyon days of crypto profitability.

Among the most talked-about is TOKEN6900 (T6900), a fresh ERC-20 token with satirical roots and meme-driven appeal. Launched just two weeks ago, the project has already raised over $1.6 million through its presale.

Embracing internet culture with irony and humor, the TOKEN6900 website claims it was “built on delusion, sarcasm, and the shared dreams of terminally online traders.”

Drawing inspiration from parody coin SPX6900, TOKEN6900 mirrors that satirical style while offering a capped supply of 930,993,091 tokens, one more than its meme predecessor.

Despite being mostly comedic in nature, TOKEN6900 introduces utility through staking, enabling users to earn passive rewards, currently at 38% APY although this decreases as more participants join.

Currently priced at $0.00685 on the official site, the token is set to increase in price once the next funding round begins in under 48 hours, creating urgency for early investors.

Keep up to date with the project by following its official X and Instagram accounts.

Click Here to Participate in the Presale

Web 3 Journalist

Tim Hakki

Web 3 Journalist

Tim Hakki

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A journalist and copywriter with a decade’s experience across music, video games, finance and tech.

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Last updated: 

July 18, 2025

China’s leading AI platform DeepSeek predicts that prominent altcoins will achieve unprecedented price milestones in the latter half of 2025, driven by Bitcoin’s exceptional rally.

Earlier this week, Bitcoin set a new historical benchmark, reaching an all-time high of $122,838. Market analysts believe this bullish momentum could persist, further accelerating cryptocurrency adoption on a global scale.

Bitcoin’s impressive ascent has sparked renewed enthusiasm among investors, with speculation mounting that the ongoing rally could eclipse the legendary bull run of 2021, propelling top altcoins to fresh valuation peaks.

Outlined below are the digital currencies that China’s cutting-edge DeepSeek AI predicts to deliver strong gains in the coming months.

XRP (Ripple): China’s DeepSeek AI Predicts Massive Upside for the Cross-Border Payments Giant

DeepSeek’s latest forecasts suggest Ripple’s XRP could soar to $5 by the end of 2025—a remarkable leap from its current value around $3.45, however this is likely too conservative, given that XRP set a new ATH earlier today of $3.65, its first high watermark since it hit $3.40 back in 2018.

DeepSeek’s projection is also a quarter of that of its biggest rival, ChatGPT, which suggests heights of $20.

XRP has solidified its reputation as a fast, affordable, and regulator-friendly cross-border transaction solution. In 2024, the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) acknowledged XRP’s capability to facilitate rapid global payments without traditional intermediaries.

A landmark court ruling in 2023 declared that retail sales of XRP were not securities transactions, effectively undermining the SEC’s long-standing stance against Ripple and bolstering confidence across the altcoin market.

In March, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse officially announced the SEC dropped the four-year case, removing regulatory uncertainty for XRP and setting a precedent for all other altcoins.

However, achieving the ambitious $20 target will require a major catalyst, such as regulatory reform in the U.S., where the crypto industry continues to advocate for comprehensive legal frameworks.

XRP has been on a strong upward trajectory, climbing 7% over the past 24 hours and 55% in the last fortnight, driven largely by substantial whale accumulation.

These large-scale purchases have pushed its relative strength index (RSI) to a heated 89, suggesting potential profit-taking ahead that will depreciate its price. However, the previous $3 resistance level is likely to switch to a strong psychological support level, priming XRP to run up to $5 by mid-fall and possibly even $20 by year end. .

Over the past year, XRP has delivered an impressive 499% gain, far exceeding Bitcoin’s 83% rise, and remains the best-performing multibillion-cap crypto asset this year.

Dogecoin ($DOGE): Founding Meme Coin Set for Major Breakout

Dogecoin ($DOGE), originally launched as a lighthearted parody in 2013, now commands a robust market capitalisation of over $36.6 billion, driven by a devoted community and increasing utility.

Typically mirroring Bitcoin’s price trends, DOGE blends meme-fuelled volatility with long-term resilience.

Trading currently at $0.2438, Dogecoin has risen by 14% in the past 24 hours and 19% over the past week. With an RSI of 81 it’s likely to follow XRP into a slight dip which will ultimately help to consolidate its gains while providing profits for its supporters.

Chart analysis reveals a distinct falling wedge pattern from November through April, suggesting a likely breakout in the near term.

DeepSeek AI predicts DOGE reaching as high as $1 during an extended bull phase, which would equate to a potential 4X gain from its current valuation.

In terms of adoption, Dogecoin continues to attract high-profile support. Tesla accepts DOGE payments for select merchandise, while platforms like PayPal and Revolut have integrated DOGE for transactions, enhancing its practical use case.

China’s DeepSeek AI Predicts The $HYPE Token Powering the Eponymous Crypto Millionaire-Maker DEX Will Go Higher Yet

Since launching late last year, Hyperliquid and its native $HYPE token have emerged as standout players in the decentralised exchange (DEX) arena. It currently trades at $45 but DeepSeek expects it to hit $100 by the New Year.

Operating on its own proprietary Layer 1 blockchain, Hyperliquid ensures full user custody over funds—an increasingly critical factor following the collapse of major centralised exchanges like FTX.

Offering competitive fees, lightning-fast trade execution, and advanced features like perpetual derivatives, Hyperliquid combines the best of decentralised and centralised exchange platforms.

Technical analysis, since its debut, shows robust bullish trends. Two bullish flag patterns formed between late winter and early spring, typically signalling sharp upward price moves.

Indeed, between early April and May 26, $HYPE quadrupled in value, jumping from around $10 to $40. This rally was reinforced by multiple cup and handle formations, suggesting sustained interest from institutional-sized traders.

Highlighting its potential, one Hyperliquid user recently netted $7 million from a $200 million long position on BTC and ETH using 50x leverage, demonstrating the platform’s capacity to deliver transformational profits.

Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER): The First Meme-Driven Layer 2 for Bitcoin Gathers Steam

Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) is emerging as a novel force in the altcoin space, combining viral meme culture with innovative Layer 2 technology built natively on Bitcoin. Designed to boost transaction speed and scalability while infusing the ecosystem with playful energy, it is pioneering new use cases for Bitcoin-based applications.

The project has already raised over around $3.4 million during its presale, with many predicting a potential 10X launch surge upon listing.

Leveraging the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM), Bitcoin Hyper aims to resolve Bitcoin’s well-known limitations of slow transaction speeds and high fees, enabling high-performance smart contracts.

Its Canonical Bridge allows for instant BTC transfers by routing transactions through its proprietary Layer 2, while its ultra-low gas fees support diverse applications ranging from decentralised apps (dApps) to meme coins and payment solutions. The project has also undergone a smart contract audit by Coinsult, which reported no vulnerabilities, bolstering investor confidence.

The $HYPER token is central to its ecosystem, enabling staking rewards, transaction fee payments, and access to exclusive platform features.

Presale participants are offered exceptionally high yields, with APYs reaching up to 269%, alongside governance privileges, providing attractive incentives for early backers.

Visit the official presale website or follow Bitcoin Hyper on X and Telegram for more information.

Crypto Journalist

Amin Ayan

Crypto Journalist

Amin Ayan

About Author

Amin Ayan is a crypto journalist with over four years of experience in the industry. He has contributed to leading publications such as Cryptonews, Investing.com, 99Bitcoins, and 24/7 Wall St. He has…

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Last updated: 

July 7, 2025

Authorities in Shenzhen have issued a warning to residents about fraudulent financial schemes posing as stablecoin investments, as rising interest in stablecoins attracts unscrupulous actors.

In a notice released Monday, Shenzhen’s Office of the Special Working Group for Preventing and Combating Illegal Financial Activities said some entities are leveraging buzzwords like “financial innovation” and “digital assets” to promote scams disguised as legitimate opportunities.

“These entities exploit new concepts such as stablecoins to hype up so-called investment projects involving ‘virtual currencies,’ ‘virtual assets,’ and ‘digital assets,’” the office said.

Stablecoin Scams Pose as Innovative Investments

Authorities cautioned that stablecoin schemes often involve illegal activities like fraudulent fundraising, gambling, pyramid schemes, and money laundering.

The advisory comes as stablecoins gain global attention. Pan Gongsheng, governor of China’s central bank, recently acknowledged that stablecoins and central bank digital currencies are transforming international payment systems.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong has taken steps to regulate the sector, with its Legislative Council passing a stablecoin bill in May to establish a licensing framework for issuers.

On the international stage, the U.S. Senate advanced the GENIUS Act last month, a landmark stablecoin bill now awaiting House deliberation.

Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary Christopher Hui added Monday that the city could begin issuing stablecoin licenses later this year, but suggested approvals would be limited.

Last week, the Hong Kong government unveiled its latest policy statement, outlining plans to accelerate real-world asset tokenization and expand the city’s crypto licensing regime.

The new “LEAP” framework focuses on legal clarity, ecosystem growth, real-world adoption, and talent development, with a stablecoin licensing regime set to launch on August 1.

The government also plans to regulate tokenized government bonds and ETFs, paving the way for secondary market trading of these products on licensed digital asset platforms.

It aims to expand tokenization efforts into sectors like metals and renewable energy, highlighting use cases such as gold and solar panels.

Stablecoins Edge Closer to Mainstream Adoption

Stablecoins have emerged as one of crypto’s rare success stories, capturing the attention of corporations and regulators alike.

Recent reports that Amazon, Walmart, and other major companies are exploring stablecoin payments sent ripples through traditional finance, briefly pushing stablecoin transaction volumes ahead of Visa’s in 2024.

Frank Combay of Next Generation said regulatory clarity, especially Europe’s MiCA framework, has unlocked stablecoins’ growth potential by removing the biggest barrier: uncertainty.

He believes stablecoin ecosystems can reduce transaction costs by over 90% and are becoming increasingly attractive to both consumers and corporations.

In the US, the proposed GENIUS Act could mark a turning point. Passed by the Senate and awaiting House review, the bill would require stablecoins to be backed by U.S. Treasuries, mirroring existing models from Tether and Circle.

Supporters argue this could strengthen the dollar’s dominance in digital finance, while critics worry it could expand federal debt.

China’s top AI powerhouse, DeepSeek AI, predicts a bullish outlook for a selection of altcoins as the crypto market gains renewed strength.

This positive sentiment echoes across the digital asset landscape, especially after Bitcoin ($BTC) shattered previous records by reaching $111,814 last month. The historic milestone has invigorated optimism, signaling what could be the early phase of a longer-term market rally.

Let’s explore the altcoins that DeepSeek AI highlights as strong contenders for breakout growth. Below is a table with summary data on DeepSeek’s predictions.

XRP ($XRP): DeepSeek AI Predicts a Surge Toward $5

DeepSeek AI projects that Ripple’s XRP could climb as high as $5 in 2025—more than doubling from its present price of $2.18. This optimistic forecast is driven by legal breakthroughs and accelerating institutional engagement.

Earlier in the year, the United Nations singled out XRP as a key asset for compliant, efficient global payments—further validating its position in the cross-border transaction space.

Ripple also achieved major legal traction in its long-standing dispute with the U.S. SEC. A notable ruling concluded that XRP sales to retail investors don’t qualify as securities, although questions remain regarding institutional offerings.

Adding to the narrative, former President Donald Trump recently referenced XRP as a potential asset for a proposed Strategic Crypto Reserve—an initiative involving federal asset holdings without direct purchase. This mention has brought XRP into policy discussions at the highest level.

Technically, XRP has held firm above the $2 support level. Analysts expect a potential breakout above $3 by midyear. If momentum continues, the asset could easily approach the $5 range before the year closes.

A key catalyst remains a potential U.S. regulatory framework under a future Trump administration, which could be a game-changer for crypto legitimacy and growth.

Dogecoin ($DOGE): Meme Coin Pioneer Gaining Fresh Traction

Dogecoin ($DOGE), the original meme coin, continues to command attention with a current valuation near $34 billion. Though created as a joke in 2013 by Billy Markus and Jackson Palmer, DOGE has since earned a serious spot in the crypto hierarchy.

DOGE’s community-driven development, viral appeal, and alignment with Bitcoin price trends make it a volatile yet recognizable asset with staying power.

Now trading around $0.1827, Dogecoin down 4% in line with wider market movements, but its price chart is flashing bullish signals. Analysts have spotted a breakout from a descending wedge—often a precursor to a reversal in price direction.

DeepSeek believes DOGE could potentially reach go past the hallowed dollar mark and even hit $1.50 by New Year, marking an approximate 721% increase. If current trends hold, it can get to half a dollar by midsummer.

Adoption remains a strong pull: Tesla still accepts Dogecoin for merchandise purchases, and payment giants like PayPal and Revolut continue to support the coin, reinforcing its real-world use and visibility.

Pepe ($PEPE): DeepSeek AI Predicts this Frog will Get a Leg Up

Pepe ($PEPE), based on Matt Furie’s viral frog character, has become a heavyweight in the meme coin category. Since late 2024, it has consistently ranked among the top three meme-based cryptocurrencies by market cap.

First launched in April 2023, PEPE ignited a wave of frog-themed tokens, though none have matched its cultural reach or performance.

Trading near $0.00001132, the coin is up 39% over the past month. With a market cap above $4.7 billion, PEPE is now the most valuable non-dog-themed meme token on the market.

While it remains 59.5% below its December 2024 high of $0.00002803, technical patterns indicate that a descending wedge formed between November and March could signal an impending breakout.

Should enthusiasm and trading volume continue rising, PEPE might retest its former highs—and potentially exceed them. DeepSeek AI predicts a most bullish year-end price target of $0.0003, which would represent an 2550% surge.

While ambitious, such gains are not out of the question during a full-blown meme coin supercycle—especially if celebrity endorsements and fresh exchange listings enter the picture.

Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER): The First Meme-Infused Layer 2 for Bitcoin Gains Momentum

Now, DeepSeek AI doesn’t know about this next one, but Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) is quickly becoming a standout in the altcoin space for good reason. It is the first Bitcoin-native Layer 2 designed to bring speed, scalability, and a playful meme vibe to the BTC ecosystem.

With more than $577,795 raised so far in its presale phase, early interest is high and the project is likely to explode on launch. It leverages the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM) to address Bitcoin’s longstanding pain points—slow transaction speeds and high fees—by introducing high-performance smart contracts.

Bitcoin Hyper has unique architecture combining the processing power of SVM with Bitcoin’s security layer. The Canonical Bridge enables seamless BTC transfers across chains, while ultra-low gas fees support a wide range of applications, from dApps to meme tokens and payment rails. Third-party auditing by Consult ensures trust and transparency.

$HYPER serves as the utility token for the entire ecosystem—used for staking, transaction fees, and access to exclusive features. Those who stake during the presale can claim high APY of 1,235% rewards alongside governance benefits, further incentivizing early participation.

Visit the official presale website or follow Bitcoin Hyper on X and Telegram for more information.

As Bitcoin (BTC) attempts to stabilize above the crucial $80,000 support level, a new warning from market analyst Leviathan has raised concerns about an alleged strategy by China that could significantly impact the leading cryptocurrency. 

China’s ‘Secret’ Bitcoin Strategy

In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Leviathan claimed that China plans to sell off its Bitcoin holdings, potentially driving the price down to $40,000. According to the analyst, this move is just the beginning of a broader scheme.

Despite the Chinese government’s public stance against cryptocurrency trading, local authorities have found a workaround, he alleges. The expert asserts that they have been quietly cashing in on confiscated Bitcoin, which has led to an “underground fiscal strategy” that operates in “legal ambiguity.”

Related Reading

Currently, Chinese authorities are reported to hold approximately 194,000 BTC, making them the second-largest government holder of Bitcoin, just behind the United States. 

Leviathan highlights that while the Chinese government publicly denounces cryptocurrency, it simultaneously benefits financially from its underground sales. 

Local governments are reportedly improvising their strategies, with some engaging private tech firms to liquidate the confiscated Bitcoin on offshore exchanges. Others, allegedly maintain a more “clandestine approach.” 

The expert provides an example of a relatively unknown company in Shenzhen, Jiafenxiang, that has allegedly facilitated over $400 million in crypto sales on behalf of various city governments, converting the proceeds into yuan and transferring the funds back to local finance departments.

Hong Kong Emerges As Potential Haven For China’s Confiscated BTC

In 2023, China witnessed a record surge in crypto-related crimes, with over $59 billion tied to illegal activities and more than 3,000 money laundering cases prosecuted. 

Amidst this backdrop, local governments are increasingly reliant on the revenue generated from fines and confiscations — a significant portion of which comes from liquidated cryptocurrencies. 

However, the need for funds is at odds with the government’s public anti-crypto stance, forcing officials to offload coins abroad through intermediaries while hoping for minimal interference from Beijing.

There have been discussions among judges, lawyers, and police about the need for a consistent national policy regarding seized cryptocurrencies. Some have proposed that the central bank take control over these assets, while others have suggested establishing a sovereign crypto fund. 

Related Reading

Leviathan has pointed to Hong Kong, which, with its more favorable legal framework for cryptocurrencies, has emerged as a potential destination for China’s Bitcoin stockpile.

This situation presents a unique challenge for China, as the contradiction between its public denouncement of cryptocurrencies and its private profit from them becomes increasingly apparent. 

As the US moves toward legitimizing cryptocurrencies at the federal level, including discussions on strategic reserves under President Donald Trump and his ongoing support for crypto, China may find itself compelled to respond, the expert asserts.

Ultimately, Leviathan said that the fate of China’s 194,000 Bitcoin holdings will not only shape national policies but could also send ripples across the global financial landscape. 

At the time of writing, BTC trades at $84,800, registering a 5% surge in the weekly time frame. 

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

US-developed web3 video game Shrapnel has been granted approval to operate on China’s state-backed RWA Copyright Chain, allowing the game to distribute tokenised in-game items under Chinese law and making it the first foreign blockchain-based title to achieve this level of legal recognition in the country.

By obtaining this licence, Shrapnel gains access to one of the world’s largest gaming markets—worth over $40 billion—under full regulatory compliance.

The game’s Chinese launch will involve local partnerships, new distribution channels, and integration with the country’s asset verification systems.

What can we expect from this latest development?

The Chinese version of Shrapnel will differ from its global counterpart in several ways. A localised game launcher will be developed for distribution within China, and digital assets will be issued and tracked via the RWA Copyright Chain—a state-approved blockchain system designed to handle the legal rights of digital goods.

In-game assets such as skins, equipment, and cosmetics will be legally recognised as digital property within the Chinese jurisdiction. These items can be bought, sold, and traded through a new marketplace that operates under national guidelines.

The rollout will be supported by Lingjing Game Labs, the gaming division of People’s Daily, the official newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party. This partnership will handle localisation, asset minting, compliance, and trading systems.

Why is this significant?

This marks the first time a foreign web3 game has been formally licensed to issue tokenised in-game assets in China under government oversight, reflecting a notable shift in China’s approach to blockchain technologies, which have typically been tightly regulated or restricted—especially when linked to decentralised finance or cryptocurrencies.

By working within China’s regulatory framework, Shrapnel has effectively created a model for how other foreign digital products might gain access to the market. It also demonstrates the Chinese government’s interest in supporting blockchain applications that align with national priorities, such as IP protection and digital asset tracking.

Although the move does not suggest broader policy liberalisation, it highlights a pathway for compliant cross-border collaboration in the digital economy.

China’s response to America’s sweeping trade tariffs could result in capital flight to Bitcoin and crypto, according to BitMEX founder Arthur Hayes.

“If not the Fed [Federal Reserve], then the PBOC [People’s Bank of China] will give us the Yahtzee ingredients,” said Hayes on X on April 8 in reference to the catalyst needed to resume the crypto market bull run.

Hayes said that if the Chinese central bank devalued its currency, the yuan, the “narrative [is] that Chinese capital flight will flow into Bitcoin,” adding that “it worked in 2013, 2015, and can work in 2025.” 

Bybit co-founder and CEO Ben Zhou said that China will try to lower the yuan to counter the tariff, adding that historically, whenever the yuan drops, “a lot of Chinese capital flows into BTC,” which is bullish for Bitcoin (BTC).

China devalued the yuan by nearly 2% against the US dollar, which saw the largest single-day drop in decades in August 2015. Bitcoin did see some increased interest during this period, though the direct causative relationship is debated.

When the yuan fell below the symbolic 7:1 ratio against the USD in August 2019, Bitcoin also saw price increases in the same timeframe. Some analysts suggested that Chinese investors were using Bitcoin as a hedge as the asset jumped 20% in the first week of that month. 

In 2019, crypto asset manager Grayscale noted the depreciation in the Chinese yuan at attributed it as a factor that spurred Bitcoin markets at the time. 

Currency control avoidance and wealth preservation

Wealthy Chinese citizens may have used crypto in the past to preserve their wealth, move it beyond government reach, and avoid capital controls and restrictions within the country, according to analysts. 

It is also believed that currency devaluations also damage trust in central banks and government financial management, pushing people toward decentralized alternatives like Bitcoin.

Related: $2T fake tariff news pump shows ‘market is ready to ape’

On April 7, the US president vowed to ratchet up additional tariffs against China, which responded by stating it “will fight to the end.”

“If the US implements escalated tariff measures, China will resolutely take countermeasures to defend its own interests,” the Chinese Commerce Ministry said in a statement.

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