Cutting edge technology development is central to China's economic and security goals. Information communication technology (ICT) companies are key enablers for millions of Chinese citizens to become consumers and active participants in the information age. Yet, China's leaders recognize that advancements in technology have moved ahead of the government's ability to regulate and control it. The government has moved rapidly to create new institutions, laws, and policies to manage hardware, software, data flows, and information within its borders in ways that will transform the landscape for foreign and domestic ICT companies and internet users. China is not alone in this process; governments around the world are also grappling with how to shape laws and policies for issues like cross-border data transfer, privacy, and cybersecurity. This page will feature ongoing analysis by CSIS and outside experts looking to understand the security and business implications of China's evolving approach to governing cyberspace, and how the U.S. and other nations can respond.
In 2017 the Strategic Technologies Program mapped China’s emerging cyber governance system.