China's 20th Central Committee Adopts Anti-Corruption Decision Naming Crypto

The 20th Central Committee's fifth plenum adopted an anti-corruption decision Oct. 29 that names virtual currencies and blockchain as channels used in graft, bringing crypto-related tools into the party's anti-corruption agenda.

The decision's full text became public Nov. 1. The relevant provision appears in a paragraph on combating corruption. It identifies the internet, virtual currencies, cross-border funds and blockchain as methods used to carry out corrupt acts.

The same passage calls for attention to newer and concealed forms of graft, including promised future gains, nominee arrangements, proxy intermediaries and revolving-door ties between officials and businesses.

Those references concern corruption methods. The decision does not name Bitcoin (BTC) or set policies for crypto trading, mining or stablecoin issuance. It does not spell out a broader framework for crypto markets.