China's Cybersecurity Strategy

Abstract

This research aims to examine China's cyber strategy as one of the rising major powers in the international system, which has successfully utilized cyberspace as a strategic tool for national security and global competition. The study explores China's motivations for prioritizing cyber power, the main components that have placed it at the forefront internationally, and analyzes the tools, objectives, and means of its cyber strategy. It also highlights the dimensions of cyber competition with the United States, as the world’s two largest economic and technological powers, and investigates areas of cyber cooperation between China and Russia. Furthermore, it addresses the “Digital Silk Road” as an extension of China’s global influence in cyberspace. The research concludes that cyber power is a core pillar of China’s foreign policy, employed through a dual approach that combines intense competition with adversaries and strategic cooperation with allies.

In an environment where cybercrime is thriving, the law is lax, and there is inconsistent enforcement of its mechanisms, the Chinese government has been working tirelessly to build an effective technical system for "network security." Therefore, China's enactment of the "Cybersecurity Law" represents an important step to address this sensitive issue and its significant impact on the country's national security. This law reflects a broad global trend to regulate cyberspace activities and combat cyber threats that could undermine the national security of various countries around the world.