Emerging Technology Challenges

Digital Authoritarianism, Cybersecurity, and China’s Digital Strategy

At the start of the 118th Congress in 2023, the National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR) held a briefing for the full staff of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on emerging technology challenges posed by China.

Mr. Strub’s testimony discussed the global spread of digital authoritarianism, the PRC’s role in pushing out authoritarian norms and policies through its tech infrastructure, platforms, and standards, and steps Congress can take to stand up for a free and open digital order. Ms. de La Bruyère focused on the role of China’s technology sector in achieving the CCP’s grand strategic goals, including by supporting the PLA’s advancement as part of China’s military-civil fusion strategy. Dr. Segal addressed topics including China’s cyber and digital strategies in the Indo-Pacific and how Congress can strengthen cooperation with likeminded allies and partners to blunt the influence of these strategies. Other topics discussed by the experts included Sino-Russian technology and cyber cooperation, the state of China’s tech influence in developing countries, especially in Africa, and how Congress can strike a balance between protecting sensitive data from malign actors while maintaining an open data environment.

Participants

Panelists

Emily de La Bruyère, Co-Founder, Horizon Advisory and Non-Resident Fellow, The National Bureau of Asian Research

Doug Strub, Director of the Center for Innovation, Trade, and Strategy, The National Bureau of Asian Research

Adam Segal, Ira A. Lipman chair in emerging technologies and national security and director of the Digital and Cyberspace Policy program at the Council on Foreign Relations

Moderator

Josh Nezam, Director of Congressional Affairs, The National Bureau of Asian Research