ISAS Insights

In building China’s technological capacities, the Chinese government has made long-term strategic plans to enhance China’s manufacturing and service industries, such as the ‘Made in China 2025 Plan’ and the ‘Next Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan’. Building capacities in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, space and communication satellites, and 5G technologies have taken off as a result of these broad strategic plans. As the rest of South Asia integrates deeper with China’s digital economy, it will remain an imperative for India to remain a key player in the global and regional digital economy, evident through its integration with its neighbours in South Asia. This paper first discusses three core technologies used to propel the Digital Silk Road – Artificial Intelligence, Communication Satellites and 5G technologies. Thereafter, it discusses the possible implications for India in light of China’s increasing prominence in technology.