Tokyo-based investment firm Metaplanet Inc. has expanded its Bitcoin holdings once again, purchasing 555 BTC for $49.6 million (¥7.67 billion) in a move that coincides with easing geopolitical tensions between the United States and China. The acquisition brings Metaplanet’s total Bitcoin reserve to 5,555 BTC—now worth over $482 million at current market prices.
The timing of the purchase closely follows China’s announcement that it will resume trade discussions with the United States. Vice Premier He Lifeng is set to meet with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Switzerland from May 9 to 12, marking the first formal dialogue since President Donald Trump reinstated sweeping tariffs on Chinese goods—some reaching as high as 140%.
Although Beijing has agreed to re-engage, it has also warned Washington against “coercive and blackmailing tactics,” signaling a firm negotiating posture. With macroeconomic uncertainty, supply chain instability, and political risk rising, companies like Metaplanet are increasingly turning to Bitcoin as a long-term hedge against systemic fragility.
Metaplanet’s strategy closely mirrors that of MicroStrategy in the U.S., positioning Bitcoin not merely as a speculative asset but as a strategic treasury reserve to weather volatile market conditions and geopolitical shocks.
China Warns U.S. on Trade Talks as Bitcoin Holds Firm
Ahead of this week’s diplomatic meetings, China has issued a strong message: talks must be grounded in mutual respect, not threats. According to a statement from China’s Ministry of Commerce,
“If the U.S. says one thing but does another, or even attempts to use negotiations as a pretext to continue coercive and blackmailing tactics, China will never agree.” The Chinese Embassy in Washington echoed that sentiment.
Although President Trump recently claimed to be in “frequent contact” with Chinese President Xi Jinping, officials on both sides have described communications as limited. When asked about the claim, Treasury Secretary Bessent deflected with humor:
“I have a lot of jobs around the White House; running the switchboard isn’t one of them.”
Meanwhile, global markets are watching closely. Bitcoin continues to hover near its February highs, trading at $96,500—up 2.1% over the past 24 hours, according to CoinGecko. Gold, another traditional safe-haven asset, is also surging, now at $3,357 per ounce, as investors brace for ongoing uncertainty tied to both geopolitical risk and upcoming Federal Reserve decisions.
Metaplanet’s Bitcoin Bet Backed by Bold Fundraising and U.S. Push
Metaplanet’s Bitcoin acquisition strategy has evolved into a full-scale corporate transformation. Since early 2024, the firm has raised over ¥35 billion (approximately $233 million) through a series of zero-coupon bond offerings and stock acquisition rights—each timed to fund new Bitcoin purchases. All deals were structured with the help of financing partner EVO FUND.
Internally, Metaplanet tracks a custom financial performance indicator known as BTC Yield—a Bitcoin-denominated metric of return on capital. So far, it has delivered three consecutive quarters of growth: 309.8% in Q4 2024, 95.6% in Q1 2025, and 21% so far in Q2.
Now, the company is taking that strategy global. Last week, Metaplanet announced the creation of Metaplanet Treasury Corp., a wholly owned U.S. subsidiary based in Florida. The new entity is set to raise up to $250 million to further accelerate Bitcoin acquisitions, tapping directly into American capital markets.
CEO Simon Gerovich described the U.S. expansion as both practical and symbolic. “This gives us 24/7 access to global liquidity and opens the door to a wider pool of institutional investors,” he said. With this move, Metaplanet is positioning itself as a central player in Bitcoin-native capital formation and corporate treasury innovation.
Quick Facts
- Metaplanet acquired 555 BTC for ¥7.67 billion ($49.6 million), bringing its total holdings to 5,555 BTC.
- The firm is targeting 10,000 BTC by the end of 2025 and 21,000 BTC by 2026.
- Bitcoin is trading above $96,500 amid optimism over renewed U.S.-China trade talks.
- Metaplanet’s strategy reflects a growing trend among corporations using Bitcoin as a treasury reserve asset.
