Abstract

China’s cybersecurity policies constitute an important component of global cybersecurity discussions in our current geopolitical environment. China’s rise against America’s relative decline has not only presented China and its Internet as an alternative to the U.S. model of economic and technological development, but has also fueled the great power rivalry between China and the U.S. especially in trade and technology. The US-China conflict is also taking place at a time when waves of populism are sweeping through the world prompting countries to assert sovereignty at home and abroad. As Internet economies and cyber policymaking increasingly gravitate towards the three main models set by the US, China and EU, Chinese cybersecurity policies remain central to global cyber policy debates and research. In the following, the chapter outlines the current Chinese cybersecurity policies, focusing specifically on cyber defense, cybercrime, and public order with the recognition that cybersecurity is a multi-faceted concept and phenomenon of great relevance and importance to China as it strives to become a cyber superpower.