Speculation is mounting in the crypto community as rumors about China potentially lifting its ban on Bitcoin (BTC) and other cryptocurrencies resurface.

A recent cryptic post by TRON founder Justin Sun and several other developments have fueled these rumors.

Could China Reopen the Doors to Crypto? Here’s What We Know

On August 18, Sun stirred the crypto community with a provocative post on his X (Twitter) account, stating, “China unbans crypto. What’s the best meme for this?” This message quickly ignited speculation among enthusiasts and industry insiders, sending ripples through the market.

Chase, the co-founder of the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM) blockchain Molecule, further fueled the speculation. In response to Sun’s post, he noted that China had “shadow-unbanned” crypto years ago.

“Users can freely register an account today on top exchanges like Binance and Bybit. So, the whales have always been around, but retail users who do not want to step into the grey area will come in. The question is the scale of user influx, and more importantly, the innovation that a move like this can drive given the regulation tailwind,” Chase commented.

Read more: Crypto Regulation: What Are the Benefits and Drawbacks?

Adding to the intrigue, a recent large-scale transaction by PlusToken-related wallets caught the community’s attention. Approximately $450 million worth of Ethereum (ETH) was moved from the wallets.

PlusToken is one of the largest crypto Ponzi schemes in China. In 2020, the Chinese authorities seized almost $4 billion worth of various tokens, including ETH, BTC, Dogecoin (DOGE), and XRP.

Therefore, these movements led many to believe China might be gearing up for a policy shift, possibly utilizing these assets for strategic reserves or other governmental purposes.

Furthermore, speculation is rife on Chinese microblogging platform Weibo that China could follow Russia’s lead by gradually reopening its Bitcoin mining industry. Sources suggest that the Chinese government is considering issuing mining licenses primarily to state-owned enterprises.

A Weibo user noted that some local governments have already begun inviting Bitcoin miners to utilize excess electricity resources. They also issue special “mining licenses” to facilitate this. These developments indicate a softening of China’s stance on crypto mining, which could pave the way for broader acceptance of Bitcoin.

Trump’s Bitcoin Ambitions: A (Potentially) New Chapter in the US-China Rivalry

Former US President Donald Trump’s recent comments about Bitcoin mining have also added another layer to the geopolitical narrative. BeInCrypto reported that Trump has voiced his intention to ramp up Bitcoin mining within the United States if re-elected. He sees this plan as a strategic move to prevent China from gaining dominance in the sector.

“If we don’t do it, China is going to pick it up, and China’s going to have it—or somebody else, but most likely China. China’s very much into it. […] They’re pretty advanced in that sphere,” Trump stated.

Trump’s statements have prompted reactions from various corners, including Sun himself. He previously suggested that China should not lag behind in the Bitcoin race.

“China should make further progress in this area. Competition between China and the US in Bitcoin policy will benefit the entire industry,” Sun wrote earlier in July.

In addition to these developments, major Chinese corporations like Tencent and Alibaba are increasingly involving themselves in blockchain development. Many see this move as paving the groundwork for a more crypto-friendly environment in China.

However, not everyone is convinced. Some commentators on Weibo expressed skepticism, noting that the Chinese government’s concerns about Bitcoin remain valid.

Issues such as excessive energy consumption, the potential for financial speculation, and the risk of illicit activities were cited as reasons for the initial ban. There is also concern that widespread Bitcoin adoption could undermine the People’s Bank of China’s digital yuan initiative.

While these rumors remain unconfirmed, the impact could be profound if China lifts its Bitcoin ban. Reports indicate that mainland Chinese investors have continued to engage in crypto transactions despite the ban. They often use underground networks or trade cryptocurrencies in public spaces.

Read more: How To Buy Bitcoin (BTC) and Everything You Need To Know

Moreover, a Chainalysis report revealed that China received $86.4 million in cryptocurrencies between July 2022 and June 2023. If the ban were lifted, this underground activity could transition into the mainstream, leading to a surge in demand for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. For now, the crypto community watches and waits, eager to see whether these rumors will materialize and how they might redefine the future of this industry.