Why Chinese banks are blocking cryptocurrency transactions

Why Chinese banks are blocking cryptocurrency transactions

China, despite its active participation in the global digital economy, remains one of the strictest countries regarding cryptocurrencies. Since the strengthening of cryptocurrency regulation in China in recent years, Chinese banks have begun to block cryptocurrency transactions, which has had a significant impact on the cryptocurrency market both domestically and abroad. In this article, we look at why Chinese banks block cryptocurrency transactions, and what causes and consequences are behind this move.

1. Tightening government policy on cryptocurrencies

One of the main reasons Chinese banks block cryptocurrency transactions is a tough government policy on cryptocurrencies. In recent years, China has passed several laws aimed at restricting and banning the use of cryptocurrencies, including a ban on cryptocurrency exchangers, mining and trading cryptocurrencies.

In 2021, Chinese authorities stepped up measures to ban cryptocurrency transactions, arguing that cryptocurrencies pose a threat to financial stability and security and could also be used for money laundering and other illegal financial transactions. In response, Chinese banks began blocking cryptocurrency transactions and transactions with cryptocurrency exchangers as part of increasing control over financial flows.

2. Financial stability and security issues

Chinese authorities are concerned about the risks that could arise from the use of cryptocurrencies in the traditional financial system. One of the main reasons for blocking cryptocurrency transactions is the fear of instability in financial markets, which can be caused by uncontrolled transactions with cryptocurrencies.

Cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin and ethereum are subject to significant price fluctuations, which can affect the stability of the financial system, especially in the case of massive speculation or financial bubbles. Chinese authorities are also concerned about the possibility of money laundering and financing terrorist groups using cryptocurrencies, a significant challenge to the country's financial security.

To prevent such risks, Chinese banks are required to block transactions with cryptocurrencies in order to exclude the possibility of using digital currencies for illegal transactions and avoid further growth in financial instability.

3. Fighting cryptocurrency mining

Another reason for blocking cryptocurrency transactions is the desire of the Chinese government to limit the activities of cryptocurrency mining farmers. In 2021, China significantly strengthened measures to ban cryptocurrency mining, which led to the massive closure of mining farms and the movement of mining facilities to other countries.

The Chinese government fears that mining cryptocurrencies consumes huge amounts of electricity and contributes to environmental pollution. There are also concerns that cryptocurrencies could be used to create alternative economic systems that parallel the official economy, which could make it harder to control financial flows.

Thus, blocking cryptocurrency transactions is part of China's strategy to reduce the impact of cryptocurrencies and their mining on the economy, as well as to minimize environmental damage that can be caused by the activities of mining farms.

4. Create your own digital currency (e-CNY)

China is actively working to create its own digital currency - the digital yuan (e-CNY), which will be supported by the Central Bank of China. This allows the Chinese authorities to fully control financial flows within the country and avoid the spread of independent cryptocurrencies.

The digital yuan will be fully centralized and controlled by the Chinese authorities, allowing it to be used for domestic transfers, payments and investments. Chinese banks play a key role in the spread of e-CNY and in its integration into the country's financial system.

To promote the digital yuan, Chinese authorities are actively restricting the use of cryptocurrencies at the national level, ensuring that only officially recognized digital currency will be used for financial transactions. It also aims to reduce reliance on foreign currencies such as the US dollar and strengthen China's financial sovereignty.

5. Impact on international cryptocurrency transactions

Blocking cryptocurrency transactions by Chinese banks has serious consequences not only for local users, but also for international cryptocurrency transactions. China, being one of the world's largest players in the cryptocurrency market, affects global financial flows, and its ban on the use of cryptocurrencies affects the liquidity and availability of cryptocurrency assets.

Many cryptocurrency platforms that used to serve Chinese users were forced to close or change their operations. It also led to significant changes in the mining market, where Chinese companies were forced to move their capacity to other countries such as the United States, Canada and Kazakhstan.

Conclusion

The blocking of cryptocurrency transactions by Chinese banks is the result of tough state policies and China's desire to control financial flows, minimizing the risks associated with the use of cryptocurrencies. While Chinese authorities continue to develop their own digital currency, restrictions on cryptocurrencies are unlikely to disappear in the near future. These measures also have a serious impact on global cryptocurrency markets and require international participants to adapt to new conditions within the Chinese financial system.