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What were the driving forces and policies that supported the Digital Silk Road (DSR) scheme? How are they linked to Chinese domestic innovative capabilities in the digital economy? This article presents an analysis of policies promoting DSR infrastructure and facilities in different regions in Asia and Africa. It also discusses key concepts such as digital sovereignty and geopolitics in their historical contexts.

A key component of China's endeavour to develop new advanced infrastructure is the expansion of the fifth-generation (5G) mobile communications networks. China has thus taken up a leading position in 5G innovation, led by Huawei with a declared share of 13.53% of global 5G patent families. The challenges are how to leverage the benefits from the new capabilities of 5G networks and implementing the new 5G systems to enhance productivity and economic growth.

China recognises the need to reduce carbon emissions in order to avoid negative consequences from climate change in the future. Therefore, the Chinese government initiated seven emissions trading system (ETS) pilots in 2013 and began to develop China's national ETS in 2017. However, Chinese efforts to implement ETS have encountered legal, institutional and political issues that must be solved so that a national ETS could help to mitigate emissions in China.

Policies promoting indigenous innovation were launched in 2006. The aim was to use public procurement, support for megaprojects in science and technology, and the development of technical standards for key industries to encourage Chinese firms to develop their own intellectual property. These policies have been criticised by international trading partners, and remain a major issue in the US–China trade war. Nevertheless, China will no doubt continue to support indigenous innovation.

With the revival of the historical trade routes across the Eurasia and along its coasts, Europe finds itself at the receiving end of a major Chinese foreign policy strategy. There is no doubt that the Chinese leadership and many observers believe that the Belt and Road Initiative would contribute significantly to economic growth and interaction across Eurasia. In Europe, the initiative has prompted a range of different reactions, from a strong embrace of the opportunities for increased mutual trade and investment on the one hand, to scepticism about the feasibility or political implications of the project on the other. This article will provide a survey of the debate witnessed in Europe to date. (China/GIGA)