Across US: Bitcoin, National Security, and the China Connection
The intersection of Bitcoin, national security, and increasing Chinese influence is drawing attention across the United States. Recent reports highlight growing concerns about Chinese-owned Bitcoin mining operations establishing a foothold in America, raising alarms within national security agencies and prompting government action.
Chinese Bitcoin Mining: A National Security Risk?
Chinese cryptocurrency mining operations have been discovered in 12 U.S. states, raising national security concerns, including Arkansas, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. According to the New York Times, Chinese-owned bitcoin mining operations in the United States are causing national security concerns due to their proximity to critical sites and the potential for cyber threats. These facilities are attracting scrutiny due to their potential for espionage and disruption of critical infrastructure.
The U.S. national security agencies are taking steps to guard against possible intelligence collection efforts on military sites from Chinese bitcoin mining sites in the U.S, The New York Times reported. The Pentagon is overseeing surveillance of a Chinese presence near sensitive locations.
One particular case brought this issue to the forefront. President Biden on Monday ordered a company with Chinese origins to shut down and sell the Wyoming cryptocurrency mine it built a mile from an Air Force base that controls intercontinental ballistic missiles. When a company with Chinese origins broke ground last year on a crypto-mining operation in Cheyenne, Wyo, a team at Microsoft that assesses national security threats recognized the potential risks. This highlights the proactive measures being taken to identify and mitigate these threats.
Energy Infrastructure Concerns
Beyond espionage, the surge in Chinese-owned Bitcoin mining operations in the United States has raised significant national security and energy infrastructure concerns for US authorities. These operations require massive amounts of electricity, potentially straining local grids and impacting energy security.
Bitcoin mining operations in the United States, owned by Chinese entities, are currently under investigation for potential issues that could threaten national security.
Addressing the Challenge
The U.S. government is actively working to address these concerns through increased monitoring, stricter regulations, and potential divestment orders. The long-term implications of Chinese-owned Bitcoin mining on U.S. national security remain a significant area of focus.
BTC’s sideways price action over the past 24 hours is secondary to the larger strategic concerns surrounding the security implications of these operations.