Core Viewpoint - The decision to store a portion of China's gold reserves in the underground vaults of Manhattan, New York, rather than repatriating them, raises questions about security and trust in the context of U.S.-China relations [1][4]. Group 1: Historical Context - After World War II, the U.S. established the Bretton Woods system, linking the dollar to gold, which solidified the dollar's dominance in the international monetary system [1]. - In the 1980s, China engaged in reform and opening-up policies, deepening economic and political ties with the U.S. during a period of favorable relations [1]. Group 2: Strategic Considerations - China purchased over 600 tons of gold from countries like South Africa and Australia, storing it in the U.S. for two main reasons: the high security of the vaults and to build trust with the U.S. to attract American investment [3][4]. - The decision to store gold in the U.S. was strategically significant during a time of friendly U.S.-China relations, facilitating economic development in China [4]. Group 3: Current Situation and Concerns - Recent geopolitical tensions have led to concerns about the safety of China's gold reserves in the U.S., especially after incidents like the U.S. seizing Russian assets [4]. - However, the impact of the stored gold is minimal, as it constitutes only about 3% of China's foreign exchange reserves, and the economic interdependence between China and the U.S. serves as a deterrent against potential confiscation [4][5]. - Many countries are reconsidering their gold storage in the U.S., but China's decision is based on historical context and current national interests, with sufficient strength to handle potential changes [5].