Core Viewpoint - The People's Bank of China emphasizes the need to combat virtual currency trading and related speculative activities, highlighting the risks associated with various forms of virtual currencies and tokenization of real-world assets [1][2]. Group 1: Risk Warnings - Seven associations, including the China Internet Finance Association and the China Banking Association, jointly issued a risk warning regarding illegal activities related to virtual currencies, including false asset risks and speculative trading risks [1][2]. - The warning specifically includes risks associated with stablecoins and real-world asset tokens, which have gained popularity in 2025, with domestic companies participating in related activities in Hong Kong [2]. Group 2: Regulatory Actions - Financial management authorities in China have not approved any activities related to the tokenization of real-world assets, and engaging in such activities may lead to illegal financial operations [2][4]. - Institutions are prohibited from conducting any business related to virtual currencies and real-world asset tokens, and must not provide financial services or credit support to virtual currency mining projects [4]. Group 3: Public Awareness - The public is urged to remain vigilant against various forms of virtual currency and real-world asset token activities, as these are often associated with speculative trading and fraudulent schemes [4][5]. - Despite the prohibition of virtual currency trading, there are still reports of individuals attempting to recruit new users for virtual currency speculation through online platforms [4][5].

Group 1 - The article discusses the dual perception of cryptocurrency, particularly Bitcoin, as both a revolutionary asset and a potential Ponzi scheme, highlighting the contrasting views on its value and legitimacy [1][2][31] - It emphasizes the historical context of financial systems and the failures of traditional currencies, using examples from China, Zimbabwe, and Russia to illustrate the dangers of inflation and loss of trust in government-backed currencies [4][5][6][8][9] - The emergence of Bitcoin is framed as a response to the 2008 financial crisis, where a loss of faith in traditional financial institutions led to the rise of decentralized currencies [10][11][31] Group 2 - The article outlines the technological foundations of cryptocurrency, including decentralization, distributed ledger technology, and blockchain, which collectively provide security and transparency [12][13][17][18] - It explains how Bitcoin's fixed supply of 21 million coins is encoded in its blockchain, creating a sense of scarcity and value that is enforced by code rather than trust in institutions [19][31] Group 3 - The article identifies significant risks associated with cryptocurrency, including extreme price volatility, prevalence of scams, and the complexity of technology that can alienate average investors [21][22][23] - It discusses the centralization of wealth within the cryptocurrency market, where a small number of early adopters hold significant power over market movements, often at the expense of new investors [24][31] Group 4 - The concept of smart contracts is introduced as a transformative application of blockchain technology, allowing for automated and trustless agreements, but also warns of the potential pitfalls and vulnerabilities associated with them [25][26][28] - The article concludes by reflecting on the dual nature of cryptocurrency as both a groundbreaking innovation and a potential trap for uninformed investors, urging a reevaluation of trust, freedom, and wealth in a digital age [31][35]

Group 1 - The article highlights the risks associated with illegal fundraising activities disguised as "financial innovation" and "blockchain," where criminals exploit the public by issuing so-called "virtual currencies" and "digital assets" [1][3]. - Blockchain is defined as a decentralized distributed database technology that ensures information is securely stored and cannot be tampered with through cryptographic techniques [2]. Group 2 - Virtual currencies, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, and "air coins," are characterized by being non-government issued, utilizing encryption and distributed ledger technologies, and existing in digital form [5]. - A notice issued by ten departments, including the People's Bank of China and the Supreme People's Court, on September 15, 2021, clarified that virtual currencies do not hold the same legal status as fiat currencies and that related activities are considered illegal financial activities [5].