The Dragon’s Digital Dominion

Nobody can claim that the initiative of the Chinese politician Deng Xiaoping (1904–1997), who went down in history as the architect of China’s reform and opening policy, had no consequences for the global economy. Rather, it was the beginning of a rally that no one suspected that China would win from the start. In the mid-90s, the FED and the US administration realized how big the dragon from China would become and how loud its cry would be.

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, China’s ascent as a global powerhouse is nothing short of remarkable. Let’s delve into the compelling narrative of China’s technological triumph, illuminated by numbers, data, and statistics that underscore its formidable presence on the world stage. The dragon is always hungry and can never be fed.

In the realm of 5G, China’s rapid deployment and adoption rates are a testament to its commitment to innovation. With over 850,000 5G base stations installed nationwide, China boasts the world’s largest 5G network, providing high-speed connectivity to millions. This expansive infrastructure not only fuels economic growth but also propels China to the forefront of the digital revolution.

The reunification or return of the Chinese province of Hong Kong to the People’s Republic of China (July 1, 1997) brought additional geopolitical and massive domestic economic benefits to the historic country. The majority of the so-called overseas Chinese are no longer an external party to be observed and controlled. No, they are part of the Chinese dragon and its powerful economic wings.

Anyone who wants to understand China’s actions must understand two things: It is necessary to understand the long history of the Chinese Empire up to the present day. China trades on traditional values, some of which are thousands of years old and are now experiencing a renaissance. The second is to understand the biography and mindset of one of the world’s most powerful men, Xi Jinping. The dragon’s opponent, the USA, has none of this, neither a long-standing history nor cherished traditions nor a powerful man at its head. The US doesn’t fight to win. Even the old man in the White House has now understood this truth. No, the “states” are fighting so that the dragon wins the day after tomorrow and not tomorrow. It’s like using a sieve to catch the drops of water from Niagara Falls.

Furthermore, China’s commitment to cybersecurity and data privacy underscores its dedication to responsible technological advancement. The government has implemented robust regulations to safeguard digital infrastructure and protect user information, ensuring a secure and trustworthy online environment for businesses and consumers alike. The fake debates in Western media about Internet control and surveillance in China don’t just make me laugh heartily. There is no point in discussing these things when there are companies like Google, Apple and other tech giants in their own country that are very data hungry. Without China, there would be no more iPhones tomorrow and no computers would work in international financial centers. The world would come to a complete standstill. My refrigerator would have no power and I wouldn’t be able to write this article.

Beyond the numbers, China’s technological success story is a testament to its strategic vision, relentless innovation, and unwavering determination to achieve greatness. By leveraging its vast resources, talent pool, and entrepreneurial spirit, China has emerged as a global leader in technology, driving progress and prosperity on a scale never seen before. China wants all the cake that Americans have baked in their kitchen for more than 250 years.

As we look to the future, it is clear that China’s technological development will not only shape the world’s digital landscape, no: the world’s digital landscape will be Chinese. So there will also be a change in the hegemonic powers in the world.

I don’t know whether today’s USA will be 2nd, 3rd or 15th. But I know that the place in the sun belongs to the dragon. And the dragon will stay there for a very long time. I don’t know whether his former opponent still exists; and I don’t care either. Different times also bring different alliances. Today’s enemy may be my friend tomorrow. The history of the last 2000 years clearly proves this.

The original article was published on March 29, 2024 in the US Online Magazine “Generative AI”