Analysing China’s Digital and Space Belt and Road Initiative

The recently held second Belt and Road forum in April 2019 based on the theme “Shaping a Brighter Shared Future" gained considerable momentum in the world community. BRI has been an ever evolving concept that has changed considerably since its inception in 2013. It has generated a blend of optimism and consternation around the world. This paper complements the existing literature on BRI while highlighting the need to involve the digital and space sector as that allows China to have greater flexibility to expand both business and influence over the regions of its interest. Furthermore, this paper underscores the likely implications for China’s Digital and Space expansion in economic, geopolitical, technological, security, and geostrategic dimensions. The paper also reflects on the impact of the expansion of China's digital and Space BRI on India in the foreseeable future and lessons for India. The paper concludes by recommending a balanced approach that allows mutual benefit and growth for all the BRI as well as non-BRI states.

About the Author

Ajey Lele is Senior Fellow at the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses.

Kritika Roy is a Research Analyst at the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses.