Byte-Sized Diplomacy: Building Global Connections

Affiliation: Undergraduate Student

Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi

In today’s interconnected world, digital collaboration has become vital, bringing us just a click away from one another. Digital diplomacy harnesses technology and online platforms to advance diplomatic efforts, promoting global connections and cooperation. Countries are increasingly using digital diplomacy to strengthen their relationships, and China and Pakistan are actively pursuing this approach. By leveraging digital platforms and advanced technology, both nations are enhancing their cooperation, boosting their economies, and fostering cultural exchange.

China and Pakistan are collaborating on several key projects, with China’s Digital Silk Road (DSR) initiative at the forefront, highlighting its ambitions to become a global technological leader. As the world’s largest digital infrastructure project, DSR encompasses data centers, submarine cables, smart cities, and 5G networks. It serves as the flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), complementing the BRI’s focus on physical infrastructure by digitalizing these assets. China’s primary objectives through DSR include strengthening undersea communication links and advancing e-commerce. China’s Digital Silk Road (DSR) has a global reach, with agreements signed with 25 countries. In 2017, Pakistan and China entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to focus on e-commerce and digital infrastructure initiatives.

China has invested in Pakistan’s submarine cable initiatives, including the Pakistan East Africa Cable Express (PEACE) and the China-Pakistan Fiber Optic Project (CPFOP). The PEACE cable network connects Asia, Africa, and Europe, linking Gwadar to France via Kenya, the Seychelles, Somalia, Djibouti, and Egypt. The PEACE, if successful, can generate the revenue of USD 400 million per year. The China-Pakistan Fiber Optic Project (CPFOP) focuses on enhancing land connectivity between Pakistan and China, linking Gwadar to China’s Xinjiang province. The project is divided into two phases: the first phase connected Khunjerab Pass to Rawalpindi, while the second phase aims to extend the network from Rawalpindi to key port

cities such as Karachi and Gwadar. The CPFOP will facilitate better connectivity for people in regions like Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, enabling them to more easily connect with the rest of the world.

Pakistan is exploring the adoption of China’s Great Firewall, a term used to describe China’s extensive censorship and surveillance system. The Great Firewall employs various technologies to restrict access to certain websites, including popular social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, which are banned in China. A key component of this system is Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) technology, which detects politically sensitive content and blocks it accordingly. The firewall enables the government to regulate social media content, preventing anti-state or anti-government statements and discouraging discussions on sensitive issues. In addition to blocking sensitive content, the Great Firewall also exposes people to government- approved content, shaping pro-government narratives. Pakistan first time used this during the SCO summit to avoid misinformation.

The projects under DSR initiative offer significant benefits for Pakistan. It reduces the country’s reliance on Western networks and enhances regional connectivity. As a growing economy, Pakistan can attract international attention and investment through such projects, strengthening its economic prospects. Additionally, having its own fiber optic network minimizes cyber vulnerabilities by reducing dependence on external sources. The project also establishes a secure communication channel between China and Pakistan, facilitating military, cultural, and economic exchanges. On the other hand, the Great Firewall provides the government with control over media content, reducing the spread of misinformation and serving as a tool to counter false propaganda.

While the Great Firewall offers certain advantages, it also fuels the conflict between censorship and freedom of speech. By implementing such controls, citizens are deprived of their right to free expression, potentially undermining Pakistan’s democratic image. Additionally, exposure to only government-approved content restricts access to diverse information, limiting the knowledge of the younger generation and potentially stifling future innovation. Regarding the Digital Silk Road (DSR) initiative, it could threaten Pakistan’s regional autonomy by increasing its dependence on China. Data passing through these networks may be susceptible to Chinese

surveillance, raising concerns about the authenticity and integrity of information. Furthermore, reliance on digital infrastructure may heighten the risk of cyberattacks, making Pakistan more vulnerable to external threats.

To maximize the benefits of these projects, Pakistan should implement innovative cyber laws to secure its digital infrastructure effectively. Investing in local companies like SCO can also help reduce reliance on foreign networks and foster domestic expertise. While implementing the Firewall, Pakistan must strike a balance between censorship and freedom of speech. Content regulation policies should protect national security without infringing on fundamental rights. Instead of direct government control, media outlets could be tasked with monitoring content under clearly defined guidelines to maintain transparency and accountability. Additionally, developing local social media platforms can enhance transparency, promote local content, and boost the country’s information technology sector.

China and Pakistan’s collaboration on digital diplomacy lays the foundation for digital integration and enhanced connectivity. While these initiatives offer opportunities for economic growth, digital advancement, data security, and stable infrastructure, they also pose challenges to democracy through censorship. Additionally, concerns about data sovereignty and structural autonomy may arise. To navigate these complexities, Pakistan must establish well-defined policies that balance implementation with potential impacts. By adopting these projects responsibly, Pakistan can achieve substantial progress and long-term development.