Chinese giant Bitmain, world leader in ASIC chips for Bitcoin mining, is the subject of a federal investigation in the United States. Suspected of presenting risks to national security, this issue could shake up the BTC mining ecosystem and Sino-American relations.
In brief
- Bitmain, Chinese leader in Bitcoin mining chips, is under American investigation for risks of espionage and sabotage.
- Bitmain denies any wrongdoing and says it respects U.S. laws, but its hardware could threaten national security.
- A restriction of Chinese ASICs would have major repercussions on the mining market, 97% dominated by Bitmain and MicroBT.
Bitmain: an American investigation for national security risks
The American authorities, via the Department of Homeland Security, launched an investigation called “ Operation Red Sunset » to assess whether Bitmain machines could be operated remotely. Indeed, anonymous officials fear that its Bitcoin mining equipment could be used for espionage or sabotage purposes, particularly on the electricity network.
Bitmain responded by categorically denying any remote control capability, saying it strictly complies with US laws and is unaware of the existence of this investigation. A situation which takes place in a tense context where in November 2024, American customs had blocked deliveries of thousands of Bitmain ASICs, before releasing them in March 2025.
Bitcoin Mining: Bitmain and MicroBT control 97% of the ASIC market
With more than 80% market share, Bitmain dominates the ASIC chip industry! A sector where Chinese manufacturers, including MicroBT, control 97% of global sales. This hegemony poses a major challenge for American bitcoin mining companies, which are heavily dependent on these technologies.
American Bitcoin, a company backed by members of the Trump family, exemplifies this dependence. In 2025, it acquired 16,000 Bitmain machines, benefiting from financing conditions “ unusually generous », According to The Guardian. These machines, essential to the expansion of its operations, underline the economic stakes of this investigation.
A restriction on Chinese ASICs could thus paralyze part of the American industry, already weakened by trade tensions between Washington and Beijing.
Will bitcoin mining survive in the United States without Bitmain?
If the investigation into the security risks of ASICs produced by Bitmain results in a suspension of activities on American soil, the bitcoin mining industry will have to face an existential challenge. With 97% of the ASIC market controlled by Chinese companies, alternatives are few and expensive. U.S. miners could turn to emerging manufacturers, such as those based in South Korea. But they struggle to compete in terms of performance and cost.
Some players, such as American Bitcoin, have already anticipated this risk by securing preferred supply agreements. However, for the majority of miners, a ban on Bitmain would mean increased operational costs and a reduction in competitiveness against less affected foreign competitors.
In this scenario, bitcoin mining in the United States could refocus on regions where energy is abundant and cheap, such as Texas, while exploring alternative technologies.
The investigation into Bitmain reveals the tensions between technological innovation, national security and geopolitical rivalries. While bitcoin mining relies heavily on Chinese equipment, upcoming U.S. decisions could have a lasting impact on the industry. In your opinion, how can we reconcile technological sovereignty and dependence on foreign players in the blockchain?
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