- Bitcoin and Gold rose as U.S-China tensions pushed investors towards safe-haven assets
- Whale wallets surged too, with over 60 new addresses now holding 1,000+ BTC since early March
As geopolitical frictions between the U.S and China intensify, both nations appear to be doubling down on strategic financial assets. However, in sharply contrasting ways.
While the U.S ramps up efforts to position itself as a global crypto leader, China has quietly increased its gold reserves by five tonnes in less than a month. This signals a defensive play amid escalating trade tensions.
This came after Chinese authorities seized 15,000 Bitcoin [BTC], worth around $1.4 billion, from illicit operations, pushing local officials to explore disposal strategies.
China’s Gold push
According to a recent post by The Kobeissi Letter, the People’s Bank of China’s accelerated bullion accumulation reflects growing caution in the face of global market instability.
Meanwhile, Bitcoin has held firm above $87,000 despite recent turbulence, including a sharp drop triggered by Donald Trump’s announcement of a 245% import tax on Chinese goods. The swift rebound has left market watchers questioning whether crypto is becoming the new safe haven in a world of uncertain fiat and fractured diplomacy.
Meanwhile, Bitcoin’s steady ascent continues to draw in heavyweight investors, with fresh data signaling a notable surge in whale activity.
At the time of writing, Bitcoin was trading at $90,107.15, following gains of 3.27% in the last 24 hours.
Additionally, Glassnode data revealed that over 60 new wallets holding 1,000 BTC or more have emerged since early March. This has pushed the total number of such addresses to 2,100 – The highest level in four months.
This spike is a sign of renewed confidence from large holders, even amid shifting macroeconomic pressures.
Meanwhile, Gold prices have soared to $3,401, driven by aggressive institutional buying, especially from China.
Schiff backs Gold
Some analysts, like noted crypto skeptic Peter Schiff, believe the metal could rally further if political pressure forces the Federal Reserve into rate cuts.
Taking to X, Schiff noted,
“Gold jumping above $3,400 is a clear market signal that the Fed needs to raise interest rates. Yet everyone, including Trump, is calling for the Fed to cut them. The Fed will likely ignore gold’s warning and cave to the pressure to cut. That policy mistake will send gold soaring.”
And yet, even as Gold shines, Bitcoin’s quiet momentum might mean that institutional interest in digital assets is far from fading.
Trade war and the battle between Gold and Bitcoin
As global markets remain rattled by the escalating U.S-China tariff tensions, investors are increasingly turning to assets they perceive as safe havens – Gold and Bitcoin.
While Bitcoin’s appeal as a modern counterpart to Gold has grown, the broader picture remains complex.
ETF outflows totaling nearly $5 billion seemed to hint at investor hesitation, even as the asset’s price held steady.
Meanwhile, conflicting narratives around China’s Bitcoin strategy, ranging from strategic accumulation to sizeable sell-offs, have only added to the uncertainty.
Still, Bitcoin’s resilience amid such divergent signals underscores its evolving role in global finance. Especially as traders continue to weigh their long-term position in a world defined by economic instability.