Their current stance is hardly surprising considering their history (see below). They will adapt to Crypto as only China does, everything from economic policy to copyright law...in their own way. As has been rightly stated, its their way of controlling its implementation. So back Neo, TRX, GTO and all those other coins that will be well connected, and get face time with the right party contacts. One point to make as well is that when they do soften their stance, China has always had a mentality that is open to mass adoption of emergent technology. Probably why the party is keen to maintain control.
www.businessinsider.com/how-china-went-from-communist-to-capitalist-2015-10?IR=T/