China’s strategy reflects careful planning in geo-nationalism

For years, the world underestimated China’s approach to technology. In 2009, when China blocked Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, many in the West thought it was extreme and unnecessary. Silicon Valley even joked that the internet would just “route around” China. But 15 years later, China’s strategy looks very different.

While companies in the US built technology for global scale, China focused on sovereignty. Western countries treated the internet as a shared global resource, while China saw it as a space for national power and control. The Chinese government treated technology as an arena of statecraft, where control over digital systems became a key part of national security and influence.

China’s long game included initiatives like the “Great Firewall,” “Made in China 2025,” and the “Digital Silk Road.” These moves weren’t just about isolation—they were about preparing for the digital future on China’s own terms.

Three pillars of China’s digital power

China’s strategy for digital power rests on three main pillars: control, scale, and narrative.

1. Control the stack
China realised that true sovereignty begins with technology infrastructure. If chips, clouds, or networks are built abroad, a nation cannot be fully independent. To secure control, China invested heavily in domestic chip production, cloud infrastructure, and satellite networks. When the US restricted exports of advanced chips in 2023 and 2024, China was ready. Its long-term planning allowed it to continue developing its technology independently.

2. Scale the ecosystem
China also focused on building large digital platforms. Within its firewall, it nurtured companies like Alibaba, Tencent, Baidu, and ByteDance. These companies grew in a huge domestic market, protected from foreign competition but pushed to innovate internally. Outside China, the government exported technology through the Digital Silk Road, building fiber networks, smart-city systems, and 5G infrastructure in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. By doing this, China extended its influence and exported its technological standards.

3. Shape the narrative
Finally, China carefully shaped public perception. While Western countries often saw digital regulation as a limitation, China presented it as nation-building. Citizens came to see platforms like WeChat and Alipay as symbols of self-reliance and national achievement, not just tools controlled by the state. This alignment between government, companies, and people created a unified approach to technology and governance.

China goes from follower to leader

Two decades ago, China followed the West in technology. Today, it is setting rules for AI, 5G, and export controls. While Western countries debated the power of tech platforms, China had already fused technology with state priorities. It built fallback systems in case of sanctions, implemented early AI governance, and invested in digital sovereignty long before the world took notice.

Many governments that once criticized China are now adopting similar strategies. The US forced TikTok to restructure, Europe passed AI transparency regulations, and many democracies debated data localization. All these measures reflect principles China embraced years earlier: control the technology you rely on, or risk losing power.

China’s success comes from seeing the future early. It understood that in the 21st century, influence would not be measured only by territory but by technological strength. By building digital borders, investing in chips, and combining public and private efforts, China ensured it would remain a major tech and geopolitical force.

ALSO READ: India’s poverty rate falls dramatically since Independence

ALSO READ: Taliban-linked TTP leader Noor Wali Mehsud fuels border tensions

The lesson for the world

China’s approach shows foresight. Technology is no longer neutral—it is a tool of power, diplomacy, and influence. Geo-nationalism in tech is a logical response to the strategic importance of data and digital infrastructure. China did not stumble into this reality; it planned it carefully, creating a model that other countries are now trying to follow.

For democracies like India, the challenge is different. Can a country build digital sovereignty without relying solely on control? Can it balance freedom, trust, and security while protecting national interests? This will determine the next chapter in the global technology race.

China saw it coming, and the rest of the world is still catching up. Its long-term digital strategy shows that preparation, planning, and state coordination can turn technology into a powerful instrument of national strength.