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China holds u.s. accountable for massive $13 b bitcoin theft

China Blames U.S. for Massive Bitcoin Heist | Tensions Escalate Over $13 Billion Theft

By

Aisha Khan

Nov 18, 2025, 04:21 AM

Edited By

Sofia Ivanova

2 minutes of duration

A graphic showing China and the U.S. flags with a Bitcoin symbol and a broken chain link, symbolizing the theft and rising tensions between the two nations
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China is pointing fingers at the United States for a staggering $13 billion Bitcoin heist. The theft, involving 127,000 Bitcoin from the LuBian mining pool in December 2020, has sparked a heated debate on cybersecurity and national sovereignty.

A Controversial Accusation

The accusation follows years of investigation into the infamous cyber robbery. Many are weighing in on China’s claims, arguing whether the incident was a case of state-sponsored hacking. Comments on various forums reveal skepticism regarding the U.S. government's role in the incident. One user noted, "Whatever happened, there should have been a trial… this was theft."

Key Themes from the Discussion

Several themes emerged from the ongoing conversations:

  • Trust Issues: Many are questioning the integrity of cryptocurrencies following this theft, with some arguing that it undermines Bitcoin's value as a store of wealth.

  • Hacking Allegations: Accusations suggest that the U.S. may have utilized hacking techniques as early as 2020, leading to calls for transparency.

  • China’s Digital Currency: As China pushes forward with its own digital currency, people question their stance on Bitcoin and how they reconcile state-sponsored digital assets versus decentralized ones.

Insights from the People

"Do you understand now why China will never adopt Bitcoin?" - user comment

This sentiment reflects a growing divide. While some defend a centralized digital currency as safer, critics warn of government overreach. Another user commented, "China complaining about state-sponsored hacking from another country is just hypocritical."

Sentiment Analysis

Overall, the comments reflect a negative sentiment towards the fairness of cryptocurrencies and the implications of such a large-scale theft. People's concerns seem to indicate a distrust in both governments and the justification for their actions.

Essential Takeaways

  • ⚠️ $13 billion worth of Bitcoin allegedly stolen from the LuBian mining pool.

  • πŸ”Ž Accusations point to potential U.S. involvement through hacking.

  • πŸ€” "If it’s so easy to steal, does its price reflect true value?" - a critical observation from comments.

This incident not only raises alarms about cybersecurity but also challenges the future viability of Bitcoin in international finance. Analysts believe this could trigger even tighter regulations on digital currencies and further complicate U.S.-China relations in the realm of technology and trade.

Future of Crypto and U.S.-China Relations

Experts believe there’s a strong likelihood that this incident will fuel tighter regulations on cryptocurrencies, particularly in the U.S. As both nations exchange accusations, the geopolitical landscape surrounding digital currencies may shift significantly. Analysts estimate around a 70% chance that the U.S. could impose stricter guidelines on cryptocurrency exchanges and their security protocols, which could revolutionize how cryptocurrencies are handled going forward. Conversely, China may feel increased pressure to advance its digital yuan in a bid to bolster confidence in state-supported digital payments. The coming months will likely see a continued tug-of-war as each side tries to maintain its footing on the international stage.

A Historical Echo

This situation mirrors the atmosphere during the Cold War when intelligence and cybersecurity became focal points of contention between superpowers. Just as nations dug in their heels over technology and espionage claims, today's digital currency debates reflect a similar struggle for dominance and security. The stakes have shifted from military might to economic muscle, but the underlying tensions remain consistent, suggesting that the current landscape may evolve into a new form of digital diplomacy where cryptocurrencies serve as a battleground for influence and trust.