European Union’s Digital Integration amidst the Diverging Interests of Its Member States: China’s Involvement in EU’s Digital Infrastructure

Abstract

The technological competition between the United States and China cannot be interpreted as a fight for technological dominance without oversimplifying the case. Digital technology is universal, and it eliminates all boundaries; therefore, its advancement strongly depends on interstate cooperation. In this context the rivals need to rely on each other; furthermore, the contribution of the consumers is indispensable because they provide the data necessary for further developments, innovations. Although the European Union strives toward a unified digital strategy, and it has elaborated the strictest regulation so far, the member states hold different views regarding their reliance on foreign technology. The development of digital technology cannot be isolated, and in this process, China seems to offer better alternatives to many European countries than the U.S. The question is whether the EU, despite the frictions among its members regarding their China policies, can diminish its dependence on the two tech superpowers, and emerge as the third greatest actor on the territory of digital technology.

Keywords

• digital technology
• digital competition
• the european union’s china policy
• cybersecurity