Post
Topic
Board Economics
Re: How big is Bitcoin's presence in China?
by
John (John K.)
on 18/03/2012, 11:17:49 UTC
Eurofag here, was a small time miner (+/- 4Ghash/s), but quit.
I'm flying to Beijing in few weeks for few months to write my master's thesis on civil liberties on the Web in China. A section shall have crypto-currency as subject, focusing on Bitcoin.

In a previous post was mentionned the fact that western uses are not present in China. Vastly used, cash provides same anonymity as Bitcoin does. What could be the main reasons Chinese would use Bitcoin ?

What'd be the threshold for the PRC Government to intervene on the Bitcoin subject ?



p.s. as poor student, also looking to make extra $$, any tips on getting advantages on my travel ? (import goods ? btc wallet on usb ?!  Wink )


Chinese would use Bitcoin as an investment opportunity, they would also use it to pay for some internet services that are illegal in China.

The Bitcoin subject is far too negligible for the PRC Government. Running exchanges might violate the current laws, but the Bitcoin network as a whole will not be an attacking target of the government in at least several years.

answer to your p.s.: I could give you some general advice. Cameras, pads, and laptops are considerably more expensive in China, because of the tariff and VAT. You could take some of them and sell. Perfume, cosmetics and jewelry are also profitable. Finding enough buyers is not easy though. On the other hand, pirate books, DVDs and software are everywhere in China and they are nearly free. You could carry some back to your country if you are not morally against it and ready to take the risk when passing the customs. I suggest you to enter China via Shanghai or Beijing. The probability of getting your luggage checked in southern China cities is much higher.

Sometimes when I fly to China I take a bag full of ipads, gucci purses, ect.  That pays for my flight itself.

Many normal Chinese people play with the stock market.  I tell some that what they do is too risky but they do it anyway.  It is basically gambling, but if they knew they could do the same thing with bitcoins....

You mean those Hong Kong people. They're crazy about the forex and stock market.