The Digital Silk Road in the European Union - Challenges and Responses

The liberal concept of complex interdependence argues that international economic networks between states foster cooperation due to mutual interests. We argue that this assumption does not hold in the case of Chinese digital networks. In line with the theory of weaponized interdependence, we note that states in control of a network are able to use economic dependencies against other states. This ability, however, is limited by a number of conditions, including economic and political dependencies, as well as the regulatory environment of the target states. Moreover, the capacity of the state from which the network originates to control the network plays a role. In our paper, we look at the case of the electronic World Trade Platform (eWTP), which was established as part of the Digital Silk Road (DSR) to facilitate the expanse of Chinese digital platforms, also in the European Union (EU). The EU is potentially a more difficult target for weaponized interdependence due to its high level of cyber regulation and its unique market power. At the same time, its need for digital infrastructure and its close economic ties with China make the EU receptive for effects of hierarchical networks. In our paper, we look at the complex relationship between the Chinese state, the EU and digital platforms. Social Network Analysis helps us to identify and analyze key players and their relationships.