Fact Check: Viral claims about a new cryptocurrency ban in China are false. The policy referenced dates back to 2021 and remains unchanged.
What’s being claimed
A viral message circulating online claims:
“China has officially banned cryptocurrency trading, mining, and related services, citing financial risks, capital flight concerns, and environmental impacts.”
Many users on social media, including Twitter and Telegram groups, have shared this message, causing confusion among crypto investors and enthusiasts across the globe.
The truth
China did indeed impose a ban on cryptocurrency trading, mining, and related activities — but this happened back in September 2021. The report being circulated as “breaking news” is actually a recycled screenshot from a Reuters article published on September 24, 2021, which clearly mentions the original date and the update timestamp (September 27, 2021).
No fresh announcement has been made by Chinese regulators in 2025 regarding a new crypto crackdown.
What the 2021 policy said
In 2021, China’s central bank and other regulators declared all crypto-related transactions illegal. The policy cited:
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Financial risk and market volatility
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Concerns about money laundering and capital flight
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Environmental concerns from high-energy usage of crypto mining operations
These reasons were cited at the time of the original ban and have not been reiterated in any official announcement this year.
Why the confusion?
The misinformation appears to have originated from:
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Outdated screenshots of past news being reshared without context
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Misleading captions that present old news as a new development
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Viral posts designed to influence crypto market sentiment, often timed with market volatility
A post featuring the 2021 Reuters headline has been making the rounds, with some users falsely claiming it is from August 2025.
Official clarification
Multiple sources, including Bitcoin Junkie and crypto analysts, have confirmed that no new ban has been issued by Chinese authorities in 2025. The People’s Bank of China (PBoC) and Chinese state media have also made no statements or press releases regarding any additional regulatory steps this year.
What the Reuters article actually says:
“China’s top regulators ban crypto trading and mining, sending bitcoin tumbling”
Published: September 24, 2021 — Updated: September 27, 2021
The date in the screenshot (which many users overlook) clearly proves that it’s an old report.
How to avoid falling for fake news in the crypto space
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Check the date of the article or screenshot
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Verify from credible financial news outlets (e.g., Reuters, Bloomberg, CNBC)
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Be cautious of Twitter and Telegram forwards that lack official links or timestamps
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Look for official regulator announcements on government portals or reputable media
Claims and reality check
| Claim | Reality |
|---|---|
| “China banned all crypto again in 2025” | False — no new ban announced |
| “Reports are based on recent Reuters article” | Partially true — article discusses policy review, not a ban |
| “It’s new national regulation” | False — the discussion was regional (Shanghai), no national decree |
| “Chinese regulators are considering yuan-based stablecoins” | True — indirectly confirmed by company lobbying and meeting context |
Market impact
Although the false report did create temporary panic among some retail investors, the broader crypto market has largely remained stable. Analysts believe seasoned investors quickly identified the misinformation.
Conclusion
China’s stance on cryptocurrency remains unchanged since 2021. No new policy banning crypto trading or mining has been enacted in 2025.
The message claiming “China has officially banned crypto in 2025” is false, misleading, and should not be acted upon. Always fact-check before reacting to viral financial content.
