According to the current progress of the Pi Network project, its technical architecture, and China's regulatory policies, the analysis of the necessity for ordinary computer Node users in China is as follows:

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#PI ⚠️ **1. The Current Status and Value of Node Operation**
1. **Technical Roles and Current Status**
- Pi Node uses the **Stellar Consensus Protocol (SCP)** based on Stellar, responsible for transaction verification and network decentralization, allowing ordinary computers to participate in basic node operations.
- **Current Stage**: Still in the **Testnet** phase, the mainnet has not yet fully opened (originally planned for Q1 2025, but it has been delayed).
- **No Direct Rewards**: During the testnet period, node operation has no token incentives, only for "contributory participation."

2. **Latest Updates from the Project Team**
- **Mandatory Upgrade Requirement**: In May 2025, the Pi core team requires all Nodes to upgrade to the **"HORIZON" version**, or they will be disconnected from the network, emphasizing its critical importance to the "mainnet stability".
- **Decentralization Promotion**: The team has closed the central node and plans to open source the code to prepare for the open mainnet.
- **Mainnet progress is slow**: Despite claiming that 8 million users have completed KYC migration, **the actual functions of the open network (such as free transfers) have still not been realized**.

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### 🚫 **2. Unique Risks for Chinese Users**
1. **Policy Compliance Risk**
- The People's Bank of China explicitly **banned Pi from being circulated, traded, or exchanged as a currency** in March 2025, and over-the-counter (OTC) trading was classified as "illegal financial activity."
- Participating in node operation may be associated with "supporting illegal financial systems", posing **legal liability risks** (such as account freezing, anti-money laundering investigations).

2. **Practical Barriers to Technical Participation**
- **Network Restrictions**: Accessing international Node networks from within the country requires the use of proxy tools, which are unstable and violate the "Cybersecurity Law."
- **Data Security Risk**: Pi requires KYC real-name authentication, and the identity information of Chinese users may face the risk of leakage due to overseas server storage.

3. **Loss of Ecological Value**
- **Unable to Cash Out**: Domestic exchanges have completely blocked Pi trading, the prices in the off-market P2P are chaotic (about 0.8-1.2 yuan per coin), and there is a lack of real application scenarios.
- **Significance of Mainnet Delay**: If the mainnet continues to be delayed, node contributions cannot be converted into actual rewards.

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### 🔍 **3. Necessity Assessment of Running Nodes**
| **Evaluation Dimension** | **Is it Worth Continuing Operation** | **Reason Analysis** |
|--------------------|----------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| **Technical Contribution Value** | ❌ No | No rewards during the testnet phase, and the mainnet delay weakens the role of the Node.
| **Economic Return** | ❌ No | No direct income; Chinese users cannot legally trade for cash.
| **Legal Risk** | ⚠️ High Risk | Violating China's cryptocurrency ban may trigger regulatory penalties.
| **Future Potential** | ⚠️ Very Low | There is no clear timetable for the mainnet launch, and there are no signs of loosening in Chinese policy in the short term. |

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### 💎 **4. Operational Recommendations: Immediately Cease Operations**
1. **Technical Level**
- Uninstall Node software: avoid resource usage (CPU/bandwidth) and security vulnerability risks.
- Suspend KYC process: Prevent personal information from being collected by foreign project parties.

2. **Asset Management**
- **Do not participate in P2P trading**: Over-the-counter trading in China is illegal, and prices are inflated with a lack of real buyers.
- Process through compliant overseas exchanges after the mainnet opens (legal cross-border channels required).

3. **Alternative Participation Methods**
- Pay attention to technological developments: Stay informed about project dynamics through non-node methods (such as community forums) to avoid direct participation risks.
- Shift towards compliant blockchain projects: Choose alliance chains or central bank digital currency (CBDC) related ecosystems supported by Chinese policies.

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### 💎 **Summary: Stop-loss is better than waiting in vain**
- **Immediately stop node operation** is currently the only rational choice.
- The project team's commitment to a "decentralized future" is in serious conflict with the regulatory reality in China, and technological progress is slow, with the ongoing costs for ordinary users **exceeding potential benefits**.
- If the mainnet opens in the future and the policy shifts (very low probability), the participation method can be reassessed; currently, it is advised to completely withdraw to avoid dual risks of legal and technical issues.

> 📌 **Key Reminder**: Pi's vision of a "universal node" has become a castle in the air under regulatory pressure, especially for Chinese users, **exiting is the only safe path**.