Insights

 

In a move that underscores the evolving landscape of global data governance, China announced a new initiative aimed at fostering cross-border data flows. On November 17, Chinese President Xi announced the launch of a “Global Cross-Border Data Flow Cooperation Initiative” while attending the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders meeting in Lima, Peru. The following day, the Cyberspace Administration of China released further details about the initiative, which frames China as a proponent of non-discriminatory and cooperative data policies. However, closer analysis reveals a complex interplay of geopolitical, economic, and regulatory factors behind this initiative.

While it is unclear at this stage what exactly a second Trump administration means for U.S. digital, technology, and trade policy, one thing that is clear is that it will involve major changes, especially as it relates to the potential for high, broad tariffs. Media reports and commentary and recent personnel appointments give some early clues on what else a second Trump administration may do. It is an open question as to which Biden administration policies a second Trump administration keeps, revises, or scraps (like Biden administration executive orders on artificial intelligence) and which policies and strategies from the first Trump administration it revives or revises. It is also unclear the extent to which a second Trump administration will consider the interests of allies and close trading partners and whether the Trump administration will pursue its own vision for global technology governance at the G7 and other fora.  

The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region witnessed a rapid digital transformation in 2024, powered by its connectivity and technological innovations. However, these advancements have introduced new vulnerabilities into the region’s digital ecosystem, which more sophisticated and nuanced cyber threats are already exploiting. In Q2 2024 alone, the APAC region experienced an average of 2,510 weekly cyberattacks per organization, marking a 23 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023.