Bitcoin News: Chinese Yuan Plunges to 18-Year Low Amid Trade War—Is a Bitcoin Bull Run Next?

Bitcoin could benefit from yuan weakness as Chinese capital seeks refuge in decentralized assets.The Chinese renminbi (CNY) has plummeted to its lowest level since 2007, becoming a central flashpoint in the escalating trade war between the United States and China. The move has reignited speculation that a weakening yuan could once again serve as a bullish catalyst for Bitcoin (BTC), as investors brace for tighter capital controls and seek alternative stores of value.Yuan Hits Rmb7.351 — PBoC Signals Controlled DepreciationAccording to data from TradingView, the onshore yuan touched Rmb7.351 per USD before modestly recovering. The People’s Bank of China (PBoC) has allowed a weaker “fixing” rate for six consecutive sessions, signaling an official shift toward currency depreciation. The last time the yuan saw such pressure was during the global financial crisis.“The PBoC appears to be allowing a modest decline to cushion exporters from the impact of U.S. tariffs,” analysts noted, pointing to last week’s sweeping tariffs announced by President Donald Trump.While U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned against further CNY devaluation—calling it “a tax on the rest of the world”—China has thus far avoided any shock moves, aiming instead for a “controlled pace of depreciation,” according to a Chinese state bank trader.US-China Trade War EscalatesTensions rose sharply after Trump unveiled a 125% tariff on Chinese imports while temporarily pausing tariffs for other nations at 10%. In response, China slapped an 84% tariff on American goods, intensifying fears of a global economic slowdown and triggering speculation about competitive currency devaluations worldwide.The offshore yuan (CNH), which trades more freely, hit a record low of Rmb7.42 this week. Meanwhile, capital outflows appear to be accelerating, with the Hong Kong dollar hitting its strongest level against the USD since 2021.Historical Trends Suggest Bitcoin Could BenefitHistorically, periods of CNY weakness have coincided with surging Bitcoin interest among Chinese investors. Arthur Hayes, co-founder of BitMEX, pointed out that during similar macro conditions in 2013 and 2015, Bitcoin experienced explosive growth as a hedge against yuan depreciation.“CNY deval = narrative that Chinese capital flight will flow into $BTC,” Hayes said on X.In 2017, when China imposed tighter capital controls and banned local crypto exchanges, Bitcoin demand surged domestically. Chinese exchanges like Huobi and OKX once accounted for over 90% of global BTC trading volumes.“The Chinese really look to Bitcoin as an excellent digital store of value — a new electronic version of gold,” said Bobby Lee, founder of BTC China.With China still enforcing strict capital controls, limiting overseas fund transfers to $50,000 annually, Bitcoin continues to present itself as a decentralized alternative to preserve wealth.Analysts Eye Capital Flight and Bitcoin MomentumAs Beijing’s monetary policy shifts to buffer against tariffs, analysts are watching for spillover effects into crypto markets. A rising BTC/CNY narrative could re-emerge if Chinese investors seek refuge from inflation and policy uncertainty.Chris Burniske, a prominent crypto investor, previously predicted that yuan weakness would drive BTC higher—a pattern that played out during past trade shocks.With BTC trading above $82,000 and up nearly 9% in 24 hours following Trump’s temporary tariff pause, analysts warn that another yuan-led Bitcoin rally could be forming.Key TakeawaysThe yuan hit Rmb7.351, its lowest level since 2007.Trade war escalates, with the U.S. imposing 125% tariffs on China and Beijing retaliating.Past yuan devaluations have triggered Bitcoin surges as Chinese investors seek financial hedges.Capital flight and strict controls could reinforce Bitcoin’s role as a decentralized store of value.