Group 1 - The importance of gold as a non-debt monetary asset and a cornerstone for economic security is emphasized, with most countries maintaining gold reserves [1] - Historical context shows that during the 1997 Asian financial crisis, South Korea relied on gold donations from citizens to repay foreign debts and stabilize the economy [3] Group 2 - As of April 2025, the United States holds over 8,133 tons of gold, accounting for approximately 20% of global official reserves, attributed to historical wealth accumulation and the Bretton Woods system [5][9] - The U.S. gained a significant amount of gold during the World Wars, establishing a dominant position in global gold reserves [7] - The Bretton Woods system linked the dollar to gold, further solidifying the U.S. as a global gold repository, which continues to influence international finance [9][11] Group 3 - Russia's gold reserves are approximately 2,350 tons as of 2023, with a total of $6,558 billion in gold and foreign exchange by April 2025, driven by rich mineral resources and increased mining investments [13][15] - The geopolitical landscape, particularly sanctions from the U.S. during the Ukraine conflict, has made gold reserves crucial for Russia's economic resilience [15][17] Group 4 - China's official gold reserves stand at about 2,292.33 tons, representing around 5.7% of global reserves, with growth supported by domestic production and strategic market participation [19][21] - Increasing gold reserves is seen as a means for China to enhance financial stability and assert greater influence in the global financial system [21][23] Group 5 - The competition for gold reserves among countries is expected to intensify due to the economic downturn, highlighting gold's role as a strategic resource for economic security and financial stability [23]