Do the leaders secretly acquire bitcoin while making it difficult for its citizens to acquire it?
This. The powerful always look for new ways to buttfuck the weak. And they invariably LOVE doing things they forbid the masses to do.
that would make no sense.. decrease demand for BTC, all the while investing in it?
the wealthy elite in china probably don't care enough for bitcoins. they probably prefer controlling the state to make money, instead of shaking everything up.