US-China Tech Rivalry Centers on Competing Internet Governance Models and Global Standards

The ongoing technological rivalry between the United States and China extends far beyond tariffs and trade disputes. At its core, the conflict is about the future of the Internet and the global standards that will govern technology. China is not only exporting hardware, but also its legal frameworks, standards, and an authoritarian approach to Internet governance, known as ‘cyber sovereignty.’ This model, promoted by President Xi Jinping since 2015, allows states to exercise full control over the Internet within their borders, including censorship and surveillance. China is actively training other governments in these practices and forging partnerships with numerous countries to export its surveillance technology and influence cyber laws. Many nations, including Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Egypt, and others, have adopted elements of China’s cyber governance, and China has signed numerous bilateral cybersecurity agreements, some of which remain secret.

China is also aggressively seeking leadership in international standards organizations such as the International Standards Organization (ISO) and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), which set the technical rules for global technology. Over the past decade, China’s representation in these bodies has surged, giving it significant influence over the standards that will shape future technologies, including AI and telecommunications. The U.S., in contrast, supports a vision of a free and open Internet, advocating for international norms that protect human rights online. The article warns that if China succeeds in setting global tech standards and exporting its model of governance, Internet freedom could be curtailed worldwide, affecting not just authoritarian states but also democracies. The U.S. and its allies are urged to counter China’s legal and normative strategies by investing in binding legal frameworks, collaborating with the private sector, and providing alternatives to China’s repressive technologies.