Ripple's XRP Rises 10% Amid Controversial China-Bitcoin Emails
1min read Leaked emails from 2018, submitted in the ongoing legal battle between Ripple and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, have sparked controversy by revealing the blockchain firm's efforts to promote the narrative that Bitcoin is controlled by China. These emails, which have circulated widely on social media, show that Ripple's team actively discussed strategies to highlight Bitcoin's perceived centralization issues, positioning XRP as a more decentralized alternative.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has frequently asserted that China exerts significant control over both Bitcoin and Ethereum, citing the concentration of mining pools in the region. One of the leaked emails, titled “4) China + Bitcoin,” contains a message that echoes Garlinghouse's public statements: “This feels similar to what Brad and [Redacted] already say publicly about Bitcoin being run by China.”
Another email outlines a plan to create an “insights post” that differentiates XRP from other cryptocurrencies. The email suggests that this post could generate significant attention as “Ripple’s Response to [Redacted].” However, it also notes that this strategy might conflict with Ripple's current promotional efforts around exchanges, as the company had informed exchanges that it would not provide promotional support.
Email correspondence from July 19, 2018, reveals discussions within the Ripple team about how to best articulate Bitcoin's perceived centralization problems. One team member questioned the distinction between the “bitcoin/china story” and the ongoing efforts with [Redacted], asking if Ripple was willing to publicly call out Bitcoin and Ethereum. The emails indicate that the subject of “China + Bitcoin” was a focal point for Ripple, aimed at highlighting Bitcoin's alleged vulnerabilities tied to Chinese mining pools to promote XRP as a decentralized alternative.
These revelations come at a time when Ripple has been advocating for a multi-asset strategic reserve, in contrast to the US Strategic Bitcoin Reserve announced by former US President Donald Trump. Ripple's stance has drawn criticism from Bitcoin supporters, who view it as an attempt to undermine Bitcoin's dominance.
Commentators on social media platforms have pointed to a post from Ripple CTO David Schwartz, who in October 2018 wrote: “A new study shows China controls 74% of bitcoin. Does that sound decentralized to you?” This post is seen as aligning with the July 
