China’s Potential Bitcoin Reserve
Zhao, who grew up in China, highlighted the unpredictability of the Chinese government’s stance on cryptocurrency due to its opaque policymaking. However, he described the creation of a Bitcoin reserve as “inevitable,” saying, “They have to do it at some point because it’s the only ‘hard’ asset.”

He also speculated that China might adopt Bitcoin without prior announcements, potentially accumulating large reserves before publicly revealing its strategy. “They could move really, really fast if they wanted,” Zhao noted.

The remarks align with Trump’s campaign promise to establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve in the U.S. Critics argue this move could significantly boost Bitcoin prices, benefiting existing BTC holders.

Skepticism and Economic Debate
The idea of national Bitcoin reserves has met skepticism from traditional economic experts. Former New York Federal Reserve president Bill Dudley dismissed Trump’s proposal as a “bad deal,” arguing it may disrupt traditional economic frameworks.

Nonetheless, Zhao believes Bitcoin’s adoption as a reserve asset is inevitable, especially as nations look for alternatives to traditional fiat reserves in uncertain global economic conditions.

Zhao’s Shift Post-Binance Leadership
After stepping down from Binance in November 2023 as part of a plea agreement involving a $50 million fine, Zhao has pivoted toward grassroots Web3 development and blockchain education. He has distanced himself from speculative trends, including memecoins, which he criticized for their lack of utility.

In a recent post on X, Zhao expressed frustration with the memecoin ecosystem, noting that the trend had strayed from its lighthearted origins. Instead, he urged the crypto community to focus on meaningful blockchain applications that deliver real-world value.