Core Viewpoint - The recent announcement by the China Internet Finance Association and six other associations highlights the risks associated with virtual currencies and illegal activities, emphasizing the need for public awareness and caution against scams and illegal fundraising activities [2][3]. Group 1: Risks of Virtual Currencies - Virtual currencies are not issued by monetary authorities and do not have the same legal status as fiat currencies, making them illegal for circulation within China [3]. - Air coins, such as π coin, lack substantial technological innovation and clear commercial applications, with serious issues related to fraud and market manipulation [3]. - Stablecoins currently do not meet customer identification and anti-money laundering requirements, posing risks of being used for money laundering and illegal fundraising [3]. Group 2: Regulatory Stance - The announcement reiterates that no institutions are allowed to engage in activities related to virtual currencies or tokenization of real-world assets [3]. - The financial management authorities in China have not approved any activities related to the tokenization of real-world assets, highlighting the regulatory stance against such practices [3]. Group 3: Historical Context - Previous warnings have been issued by the China Internet Finance Association regarding risks associated with NFTs and virtual currency trading, emphasizing the need for compliance with national laws and regulations [4]. - In April 2022, a call was made to curb the financialization and securitization of NFTs, and in May 2021, a warning was issued against virtual currency trading speculation [4].

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese Internet Finance Association and six other departments issued a risk warning regarding virtual currencies and related illegal activities, emphasizing that member units must not engage in or provide services for virtual currency and real-world asset token issuance and trading within China [1][2]. Group 1: Nature of Virtual Currencies and Related Activities - Virtual currencies are not issued by monetary authorities and do not have the same legal status as legal tender in China, making them illegal for circulation [2]. - Certain virtual currencies, such as π coins, lack substantial technological innovation and clear commercial applications, leading to significant fraud and market manipulation risks [2]. - Stablecoins currently do not meet customer identification and anti-money laundering requirements, posing risks of being used for money laundering and fraudulent fundraising [2]. - The tokenization of real-world assets carries multiple risks, including false asset risks and speculative trading risks, with no approved activities in this area by Chinese financial authorities [2]. Group 2: Prohibitions on Financial Institutions - Member units are prohibited from participating in the issuance and trading of virtual currencies and real-world asset tokens within China [4]. - Banks and payment institutions must not provide any financial services or credit support to virtual currency mining enterprises and projects [4]. - Securities, fund, and futures institutions are also barred from offering services related to the issuance and trading of virtual currencies and real-world asset tokens [4]. Group 3: Public Awareness and Precautions - The public is urged to be vigilant against various forms of virtual currency and real-world asset token activities, which are often associated with speculation and fraud [5]. - Individuals should enhance their risk awareness and avoid participating in virtual currency and real-world asset token activities to protect their finances [5][6]. - Any suspicious activities related to virtual currencies should be reported to regulatory authorities, and individuals should refrain from engaging with promotional materials that suggest historical returns or speculative prospects [6].