The United States has officially revealed a new approach to enhancing international collaborations in the cyberspace and digital technology sector, particularly with a focus on addressing China’s technological advancements. Secretary of State Antony Blinken outlined the policy, which primarily aims to elevate the role of the US in countering cyber threats globally and improving governance in the regulation of advanced technologies such as AI.
Blinken emphasized the US commitment to “digital solidarity” rather than “digital sovereignty”, indicating a willingness to assist other countries in building capacity and guiding engagement on technology diplomacy. The strategy also seeks to prevent the US and its allies from falling behind strategic rivals in the global tech race, a move seemingly targeted at Beijing.
While not explicitly naming China, Blinken highlighted the differing objectives of the US and its strategic rivals, pointing out how some countries are using digital technologies for surveillance and human rights repression, weaponizing control in critical supply chains, and using AI-based tools to undermine democracies. This alludes to China’s use of genomic data collection for control and surveillance, particularly in regions like Xinjiang and Tibet.
The US strategy also addresses the risks associated with quantum computing and the dominance of strategic competitors in technologies that underpin the global economy. In response to China’s progress in emerging technologies like AI, 5G, and quantum computing, the US and European Union have announced initiatives aimed at reducing their dependence on China’s manufacturing capabilities.
Blinken also called for the exclusion of untrustworthy vendors from the technology ecosystem, highlighting the importance of working with trusted partners and maintaining a competitive advantage. Additionally, he emphasized China’s leading role in processing critical minerals, cloud computing, and data storage.
The introduction of this new strategy comes at a time of increasing concerns over China’s technological expansion and its promotion of the “digital silk road”. It also aligns with recent efforts by the US and its allies to counter China’s dominance in the digital technology and cyberspace sector, while enhancing their own technological capabilities.
In conclusion, the United States’ new global cyberspace and digital technology strategy is evidently intended to assert its influence and prevent the risk of falling behind in the global tech race. Though China is not explicitly mentioned as the target, the strategy’s objectives and focus point towards countering China’s advancements in technologies at the forefront of the global economy.