China

Summary
China is classified as a low-dependency country, as its DDI value has steadily decreased from 0.53 in 2010 to 0.42 in 2023, making it the fourth least dependent country in our dataset. The most significant reduction in digital dependency occurred in ICT patents, with the value dropping drastically from 0.92 to 0.52. Although this decline did not accelerate until 2015, it has averaged over 0.04 per year since then. In contrast, efforts to reduce platform dependency were successful until 2015, before stabilising at around 0.57. China is comparatively independent of the US, with bilateral ICT goods dependence remaining below 0.15.

Policies
China's policies between 2020 and 2026 covered various digital fields, reaching from investments in cybersecurity and semiconductors to the enhancement of AI and quantum capabilities. The topic of semiconductors and domestic production has received particular attention: According to a 2024 decision, a $47.5 billion investment into a state-backed semiconductor industry investment fund is expected boost Chinese chip companies and indigenous chip design and production.