China’s role in the next phase of Globalization

Abstract

This study is organized in three chapters. In the first chapter, a general description of major Globalization’s trends is made, focusing on Digital Globalization; reshaped GVCs’ framework, participation, and power imbalances among economic actors involved. Then, an attempt on measuring the volume and the economic value of data from a business perspective is presented. To conclude, a brief insight on data flows policies, strategies and competition in the international trade regime is made. In the second chapter, the process of China’s integration into ICT GVC is thoroughly depicted. Moreover, a deeper analysis of the Chinese position as ‘‘world factory’’ restructuring over the last two decades is provided, which resulted in a coexistence of export-oriented industry and domestic market-oriented production networks throughout Eastern, Western and Central regions. Then, the study mainly focuses on China’s role as a fundamental driver of technological upgrading for the South-East Asia region and on China’s Digital Rise and its attempt to create a balanced Data Asset Ecosystem. In the final chapter, an outlook on the Belt and Road - Digital Silk Road Initiative is given, alongside a general description of its main objectives and projects. Then, the study mainly focuses on BRI – DSR as a tool for a new China-led Global Regionalism. Alibaba and its initiative for global trade eWTP - electronic World Trade Platform – is here presented as a case study. This work argues that the eWTP is a counter-hegemonic discourse that attempts to globalize a China-led (global) digital trade order to challenge the previous wave of West-led Globalization. As a conclusion, some thoughts on the future perspectives of China’s role as a driver of Digital Globalization are shared, in the context of the contemporary geopolitical and market changes.