CRYPTO

The U.S. can’t lose the bitcoin race to China

The U.S. can’t lose the bitcoin race to China

The next global power competition is not being fought over missiles alone. It’s being fought over money, and right now, China is moving aggressively to shape the future of it, argues Gooden.

Editorial perspective

AI-assisted

Bitcoin and cryptocurrency represent a fundamental shift in monetary infrastructure, and this article frames digital assets as the latest arena for U.S.-China strategic competition. China has already banned cryptocurrency trading while simultaneously advancing its central bank digital currency, positioning itself to potentially set global standards for digital money. Meanwhile, the U.S. approach remains fragmented across regulatory agencies, creating uncertainty that may drive innovation offshore.

The stakes extend beyond speculative trading. Control over digital payment rails could determine everything from sanctions enforcement to the reserve currency status that underpins American economic power. If China establishes dominant protocols or builds parallel financial infrastructure that bypasses dollar-denominated systems, it could erode key U.S. advantages in global finance.

For investors and corporate treasurers, this geopolitical dimension adds another layer to cryptocurrency allocation decisions. The regulatory environment will likely crystallize based on national security considerations rather than purely economic factors, making policy developments critical to monitor.