By Deqiang Ji
By 2024, China’s digital economy is projected to contribute over 60% to the country’s annual GDP. This remarkable figure not only underscores the growing significance of digital sectors but also signals a deep, systemic transformation of China’s economic model and its multidimensional integration with the global economy.
From the launch of the “Internet Plus” initiative – designed to digitize traditional manufacturing – to the formal inclusion of “Building a Digital China” in national development plans, China’s policy evolution reflects a clear vision: digitization is not about upgrading a single industry, but about transforming the entire economic system.
Over the past several years, we have witnessed rapid advancements in digital infrastructure, e-governance, and most notably, e-commerce. These developments are not confined to domestic growth. Through the Belt and Road Initiative, China has expanded its digital footprint globally by investing in infrastructure and technology projects that aim to bridge the digital divide and improve connectivity across partner countries.
As a leading voice from the Global South, China is committed to offering alternative models for digital development – ones that emphasize affordability, inclusiveness, and equitable growth. At the same time, recognizing the dual nature of technological innovation, China has strengthened its regulatory framework to ensure that digital progress does not come at the expense of social stability or ethical governance. Legal and policy instruments have been introduced to better oversee internet platforms and mitigate negative societal impacts.
On the international stage, China has taken an active role in multilateral forums to explore how global governance can adapt to the sweeping changes brought about by the digital revolution. As the world grapples with the challenges and opportunities of this new era, China’s experience offers valuable insights into how large, developing economies can navigate digital transformation while promoting fairness, security, and global cooperation.
-The author is Professor of Political Economy of Media and International Communication, Communication University of China, Beijing
