As the United States and its likeminded partners and allies try to understand China’s digital connectivity efforts globally, this panel seeks to understand the security risks and strategic implications of advancing digital connectivity in the Indo-Pacific and how the race to connect the region digitally will reshape the economy and security of the Indo-Pacific and global rules for internet governance for decades to come.

The United States and its likeminded partners and allies are currently debating the security risks of adopting Chinese digital infrastructure and the strategic implications of advancing digital connectivity in the Indo-Pacific. This panel aims to engage in this debate by discussing the following questions: Why is digital infrastructure development a strategic priority for the United States? What is China trying to achieve through the DSR? What does China’s DSR mean for US efforts in the region and how can the United States and its likeminded partners and allies, like Taiwan, work together to improve digital infrastructure and establish global rules for internet governance. Ultimately, the panel aims to provide concrete policy recommendations for both the public and private sectors in the United States and in its allies and likeminded partners on how to handle and engage in the race for digital connectivity in the Indo-Pacific.

The Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security works to develop sustainable, nonpartisan strategies to address the most important security challenges facing the United States and the world. The Center honors General Brent Scowcroft’s legacy of service and embodies his ethos of nonpartisan commitment to the cause of security, support for US leadership in cooperation with allies and partners, and dedication to the mentorship of the next generation of leaders.

This event is open to the public and will be webcast online. The event is open to the press and on the record.

LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED

Panel Discussion Featuring