Observing the two countries closely, I believe China will legalize bitcoin first before US. Unlike US, China isn't hat strictly when it comes to adopting technologies. US on the other hand will want to make so many analysis first before legalizing it so her citizens won't end up investing or using something they will later regret. So I believe bitcoin will be legalized in China first before US.
What are you talking about? The race is long over.
In china you can't use bitcoin and financial institutions are still banned from working with bitcoin businesses.
In the US you can pay taxes with Bitcoin. Some politicians said they are holding. Starbucks will work with Bakkt to give you easy payments. There are ATMs in many places.
It's not even a race anymore.