“Bitcoin is the gunpowder of the digital era,” Taiwan lawmaker Ko Ju-Chun declared on May 9. He urged Taipei to fortify its $577 billion reserve chest with BTC before currency shocks or conflict strike.
Speaking at the National Finance Conference on Friday, Ko emphasized that Bitcoin, like gold and foreign currencies, deserves recognition as a sovereign reserve asset.
His remarks followed his recent engagement with Samson Mow, CEO of Jan3 and a prominent advocate for national-level Bitcoin adoption, particularly in countries like El Salvador.
Ko, who serves as a legislator-at-large in Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan, argued that Bitcoin could play an important role in strengthening Taiwan’s financial defense mechanisms.
The lawmaker said, “We currently hold 423 metric tons of gold, and our foreign exchange reserves total $577 billion—including U.S. Treasury bonds. But in the event of rising currency volatility or potential regional conflict, Taiwan may not be able to ensure the safety and liquidity of these reserves.”
Bitcoin as a Strategic Hedge Amid Rising Economic and Geopolitical Risks
In his speech, Ko explained that Bitcoin’s characteristics, including a fixed supply, decentralization, and censorship resistance, make it a suitable hedge as traditional financial instruments are increasingly vulnerable to external pressure.
Ko said Bitcoin has operated for over 15 years without a central authority and remains resistant to embargoes. “It’s time for Taiwan to think strategically,” he urged. “Bitcoin may not just be a currency. As former Dean Chen Chong said, it could be the gun, the gold, the silver, or even the gunpowder of the digital era. A wise country should never leave such weapons in the hands of others.”
The lawmaker further suggested that a small allocation of Bitcoin, of up to 5% of Taiwan’s $50 billion reserve, would be prudent. He stressed that it would be part of a diversified strategy, not a total shift.
Ko’s proposal is grounded in growing concerns over Taiwan’s economic exposure as an export-reliant nation. He noted that the New Taiwan dollar has faced wide fluctuations due to global inflation and tensions in the Asia-Pacific region.
“In moments of severe crisis or regional unrest, traditional reserve assets like bonds or even gold may not guarantee rapid liquidity or security. Bitcoin, with its cross-border, seizure-resistant design, gives us options,” Ko argued.
He carefully framed Bitcoin as an additional tool rather than a replacement for existing reserves. “I’m not saying Bitcoin is the only answer,” Ko clarified.
“But in a world where exchange rate risks and regional instability are increasing, it’s essential to introduce new tools that can help us build a more flexible and resilient financial strategy.”
Taiwan’s Regulatory Push: FSC Advances Virtual Asset Oversight with New Legislative Draft
Ko’s remarks also coincide with Taiwan’s developing crypto regulatory environment.
As Ko pushes for Bitcoin adoption nationally, Taiwan’s Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) is laying the groundwork for comprehensive virtual asset regulation.
On March 25, the FSC unveiled its draft of the “Virtual Asset Service Act,” a proposed legislative framework that would regulate the crypto industry while enhancing market integrity and investor protections.
The draft outlines rigorous licensing requirements for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), including standards for organizational structure, capital thresholds, and qualified personnel.
It also allows local banks to issue stablecoins pegged to the New Taiwan dollar, pending FSC approval and strict compliance with issuance guidelines.
To uphold these standards, the FSC will be empowered to conduct inspections, monitor compliance, and impose penalties on non-compliant entities.
The FSC’s commitment to building a secure and well-regulated crypto ecosystem extends beyond compliance. In early 2025, the agency launched a pilot program for institutional crypto custody services and approved several foreign crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for professional investors.
Together, these regulatory and institutional initiatives indicate Taiwan’s intent to grow into a fully fledged, regulated, and innovation-friendly cryptocurrency jurisdiction and an environment that a lawmaker like Ko believes Bitcoin can become a sovereign asset.
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