Why the US and China need a detente in cyberspace
- As accusations of cyberattacks fly between the US and China, the digital realm has become central to both nations’ security strategies
- Cyber diplomacy must therefore play a bigger role in managing tensions, with more international guidelines needed
However, the US has also accused China of stealing trade secrets and has filed criminal charges against Chinese military members. In fact, China and the United States are both world leaders in cyber warfare.
Cyberspace is the fusion of communication networks, databases and information sources into a global digital system. This new global domain of information systems is challenging the traditional understanding of international relations, power politics, national security, sovereignty and borders.
Additionally, as economies and stock markets are very interconnected, a massive cyberattack that causes the financial collapse of one major power is likely to have the same impact on another.
Uncertainty, distrust, definitional disagreements, cultural differences and mutual dependence are evident in every aspect of US-China relations in cyberspace. Both nations view the other with hostility.
Both countries recognise the importance of cyberspace to their economies and national security. In addition, each is likely to perceive the other as a significant, if not the primary, obstacle to pursuing its cyberspace objectives.
The rapid development of the Fourth Industrial Revolution – the use of smart technology to upgrade industrial practices – means that the outcome of competition on this new stage will also shape global politics.
Against this backdrop, China and the US are taking steps in cyberspace to protect their technological, informational and other capabilities. In addition, they are engaged in power struggles in e-commerce, fintech, digital diplomacy and cybersecurity.
Cyberspace is becoming a new geopolitical battlefield between the United States and China, with the intersection of politics and cyberspace transitioning from “low politics”, concerned with economic, social and cultural issues, to “high politics” involving matters related to the survival of the state.
Developing stronger US-China cooperation and understanding of cybersecurity challenges is therefore vital. The lack of shared guidelines on cyber behaviour between Beijing and Washington increases their uncertainty. American and Chinese experts and officials will face difficulties, but significant progress can only be made with a focused effort.
As in traditional diplomacy, cyber diplomacy must endeavour to create guidelines and coordinating mechanisms that will lessen mistrust between parties. Unfortunately, at this time, a comprehensive agreement on sensitive matters like cyber espionage and internet governance is difficult, if not impossible.
However, their interdependence means that Washington and Beijing also share the same goals, and preventing misunderstanding and escalation should be a priority. Therefore, cooperation is essential, and a cyber detente may well provide the best opportunity.
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The significance of US-China relations in the new global order, the growing influence of cyberspace in both the public and private sectors, and the erosion of strategic trust mean that the impact of the cybersecurity debate on US-China relations may be greater than in any other bilateral relationship. Developing coordinated procedures is essential for the security of both sides and for cyberspace and its billions of users.
Consequently, everyone would benefit from increased US-China cooperation on cybersecurity. It would strengthen bilateral ties, and act as a cornerstone for multilateral efforts in the field of cyberspace. Moreover, such collaboration can support further US-Chinese cooperation on other critical issues, including the environment and global finance.
Ruqiya Anwar, a PhD scholar of media and communication studies from Pakistan, is a researcher and sociopolitical analyst focusing on the nexus between domestic and global politics and the intersection of politics and security