The cryptocurrency world is abuzz with speculation that Bitcoin China, once a dominant player in the country's digital asset landscape, may be preparing for a major return to the exchange market. On February 25, Bitcoin China announced it has launched a global equity fundraising initiative aimed at reviving and expanding its digital asset trading services. This move signals a potential strategic reversal from earlier statements made just a month prior, when new owner Yang Linke declared intentions to pivot toward blockchain-based technology solutions for real-world industries.
Now, the latest development suggests a renewed focus on core crypto trading operations—marking what could be one of the most significant comebacks in China’s blockchain history.
The Rise, Fall, and Possible Resurgence of Bitcoin China
Founded on June 9, 2011, by Yang Linke and Huang Xiaoyu, Bitcoin China—operated by Shanghai Satosi Network Co., Ltd.—was the first Bitcoin trading platform in China and quickly grew into the nation’s largest exchange during its early years. Li Qiyuan joined the team in 2013 as CEO, further solidifying its market presence.
However, everything changed on September 4, 2017, when the People’s Bank of China and six other regulatory bodies jointly issued a notice titled “On Preventing Risks Associated with Token Issuance Financing.” This landmark announcement effectively banned initial coin offerings (ICOs) and mandated the shutdown of domestic cryptocurrency exchanges.
By the end of that month, Bitcoin China ceased all trading activities—joining a wave of local platforms forced to retreat. While competitors like OKEx (formerly OKCoin) and Huobi Global swiftly launched international versions and continued operations offshore, Bitcoin China remained dormant in the trading space.
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From Acquisition to Strategic Pivot: What Changed?
In January 2025, Yang Linke announced he had acquired 100% of Bitcoin China’s shares, positioning the brand as a technology enabler for traditional industries through blockchain innovation. At the time, there was little indication of a return to exchange services.
Yet the recent fundraising announcement tells a different story. The official post emphasizes plans to relaunch digital asset trading services on a global scale, suggesting a dual-track strategy: leveraging blockchain for enterprise solutions while re-entering the high-demand crypto exchange arena.
This shift aligns with broader market trends. In early 2025, Bitcoin prices surged toward $42,000—a two-month high—before settling back above $38,000. Renewed investor interest, growing institutional adoption, and increasing regulatory clarity in key jurisdictions have collectively warmed the crypto climate.
BTCC: Separate Entity, Shared Legacy?
A common point of confusion involves BTCC, another well-known name in the Chinese crypto ecosystem. While often mistaken as the same entity, Bitcoin China and BTCC are distinct organizations.
BTCC operated major products such as the BTCC mining pool, Mobi digital wallet, and a USD spot trading platform. However, after being acquired by a Hong Kong-based blockchain investment fund in January 2018, BTCC’s mining pool shut down indefinitely by November of that year amid declining crypto prices and reduced mining profitability.
Bitcoin China has repeatedly clarified it is not affiliated with BTCC. Despite overlapping founders and timelines, the two entities diverged after separate acquisition paths. Notably, BTCC’s business lines were acquired by external investors—but Bitcoin China itself was not part of that deal.
Corporate Restructuring Hints at New Ownership Structure
Recent corporate filings via Qichacha reveal significant changes within Bitcoin China’s operating company—Shanghai Satosi Network. The legal representative is now Shi Tianyu, who also serves as manager. Shareholders include Shi Tianyu and Zhu Ruijuan, both without prior affiliations to Yang Linke or his previous ventures.
Notably absent from the shareholder list is Yang Linke himself, despite his public claim of full acquisition. This raises questions about current control structures and governance transparency.
Yang Linke does maintain ownership of Beijing Jiuzhou Bixi Technology Co., Ltd., which oversees Blockchain Tianxia Network Technology Co., Ltd.—a firm behind the now-dormant global intelligent trading platform Icocoin. That platform suspended digital asset deposits and trading in September 2017 following regulatory crackdowns.
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Strategic Alliance with ZG.COM: A Signal of Intent?
Bitcoin China’s official website now features bold messaging: “Bitcoin China is back.” Accompanying this revival narrative is mention of a strategic investment in ZG.COM, a known cryptocurrency exchange.
While details remain sparse, this partnership strongly implies an intent to re-engage in active trading infrastructure development. ZG.COM provides a ready-made platform with existing liquidity and user base—potentially accelerating Bitcoin China’s re-entry into competitive markets.
Such alliances are increasingly common among legacy brands seeking to regain relevance without rebuilding from scratch. By investing in or partnering with active exchanges, former pioneers can leverage existing technology stacks and compliance frameworks.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Bitcoin China the same as BTCC?
A: No. Although they share some founding connections, Bitcoin China and BTCC are separate entities. Bitcoin China has explicitly stated it is not affiliated with BTCC or its products like the BTCC mining pool or Mobi wallet.
Q: Did Bitcoin China really shut down permanently in 2017?
A: Yes. Following the September 4, 2017 regulatory ban, Bitcoin China halted all trading services. It remained inactive in the exchange space until recent announcements hinted at a potential revival.
Q: Who currently owns Bitcoin China?
A: Public records show Shanghai Satosi Network—Bitcoin China’s operator—is now led by Shi Tianyu and Zhu Ruijuan. Despite Yang Linke’s claims of full acquisition, he does not appear in current shareholder data.
Q: What role does ZG.COM play in Bitcoin China’s comeback plan?
A: ZG.COM is described as a strategic investment target. As an active crypto exchange, this partnership may serve as a vehicle for Bitcoin China to re-enter the trading market without launching a new platform independently.
Q: Can Chinese users access Bitcoin China if it relaunches?
A: Given ongoing domestic restrictions on cryptocurrency trading in mainland China, any relaunch would likely target international markets exclusively.
Q: Is the fundraising open to global investors?
A: While specifics haven’t been disclosed, the term “global equity fundraising” suggests international participation may be permitted—subject to applicable securities laws.
With growing momentum in the digital asset space and clearer pathways for compliant global operations, Bitcoin China’s potential resurgence reflects both nostalgic appeal and strategic opportunity. Whether it regains former prominence remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: the name is back in play.