Fractured Order, Rising Influence: Southeast Asia and China’s Digital Ambitions

As the global balance of power shifts, Southeast Asia finds itself at the crossroads of economic transformation, technological advancement, and strategic realignments. One key element in this evolving landscape is China’s Digital Silk Road (DSR), a crucial component of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) aimed at positioning China as the global technological superpower. This initiative promises to reshape the global digital order and could trigger a technological and normative rift with far-reaching geopolitical consequences.In this episode, recorded live at PRIO, a panel of regional experts and researchers unpack the findings of a three-year project examining China’s digital technology exports to Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. How are these countries managing the promises and perils of digital infrastructure tied to Beijing’s ambitions? And what does it mean for sovereignty, governance, and global power?From infrastructure and internet governance to normative influence and political risk, the conversation offers a comparative look at how Southeast Asia is responding to China’s rising digital influence.Speakers:Dr. Ilaria Carrozza, PRIODr. Cheng-Chwee Kuik, Universiti Kebangsaan MalaysiaJulio Amador III, Ateneo de Manila UniversityHabib Abiyan Dzakwan, CSIS IndonesiaChair: Nic Marsh, PRIO🎙️ Tune in for a sharp, regionally grounded discussion on China’s Digital Silk Road and the digital futures of Southeast Asia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.