China will pursue digital autonomy
Monday, February 17, 2020
Subject
China technology industry policy.
Significance
China is trying to develop its digital economy by investing in science and technology research, skills training and the creation of market opportunities at home and abroad. However, the international environment in which it does this is increasingly beset by difficulties in market access, potential blockages to software and hardware components, and a lack of global consensus on matters such as data flows.
Impacts
- China is outpacing Western investment in the rapid development of consumer-oriented products based on 5G and artificial intelligence.
- China will participate eagerly in international open-source technology initiatives, where it is allowed to.
- Breaking the gridlock in UN processes on the governance of cyberspace depends on how far the West can accommodate China’s growing demands.