China’s deepening digital presence in the global South

The steady expansion of China’s digital footprints across the developing world – including many Commonwealth countries – has triggered concerns that an authoritarian alternative digital infrastructure is being created to challenge the US hegemony in this arena. The article maps the growing Chinese presence across the global South, particularly in relation to China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative. The security and data protection issues are addressed, as is the apprehension that at a time when Western governments are curtailing their aid budgets, China is likely to further strengthen its already considerable influence, offering a contrasting state-led model for a digitally connected world.