Bitcoin's 4-year cycle, a strange synchronization with China's regulations

There is an interesting pattern that has been observed in the cryptocurrency community for a long time. It is that major regulatory announcements by the Chinese government tend to coincide with Bitcoin’s 4-year halving cycle. This phenomenon, occurring periodically in 2013, 2017, 2021, and now in 2025, raises the question: is it mere coincidence or intentional?

Timing of Repeated Regulations

Market analysts believe that the Chinese government has deliberately implemented these crypto asset regulations. In particular, attention is drawn to the fact that the tightening of surveillance on blockchain assets, including Chinese coins, tends to occur around Bitcoin halving events.

Regulations at each cycle are not just isolated actions but reflect a cumulative strengthening of policies. While early regulations were mainly declarative, recent interventions have evolved into more specific and coercive measures.

Strategy to Deprive of Legal Tender Status

The Chinese government has made it clear through continuous regulation that cryptocurrencies cannot be recognized as legal tender. This stance has been implemented as actual policy, beyond mere statements, and is interpreted as an effort to preemptively block illegal financial activities and speculative demand related to crypto assets.

Impact on the Market

Interestingly, each regulatory announcement in China causes ripples in the global cryptocurrency market. Not only Chinese coins but also major crypto assets experience volatility, which directly influences investor sentiment.

Analysts suggest that this pattern may continue in the future. As long as the 4-year cycle of Bitcoin persists, China’s crypto policy interventions could also repeat.