Standardisation with Chinese Characteristics?
Clingendael, Netherlands Institute of International Relations
“Standardisation is emerging as a strategic battleground in global technological competition. Once confined to the realm of technical experts and engineers, standard-setting now plays a central role in shaping industrial ecosystems, global trade, interoperability, innovation flows and dependencies embedded in digital infrastructures and applications, ranging from 5G to AI chips and from steel quality to digital public passports. As the geopolitical dimension of technology becomes more pronounced, the ability to influence standards is a key driver to competitiveness and sovereignty.”
“The active role of the government in China’s standardisation approach is evident in the multitude of state bodies involved in the process. The Standardisation Administration of China (SAC), operating under the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and the State Council, primarily sets overall strategies and oversees China’s standardisation efforts. SAC is responsible for strategic coordination, project approval and represents China in the ISO and IEC. In the ITU, China is represented by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). National and sector standards are developed by Technical Committees (TCs), composed of experts from both the public and private sectors. TCs report to their corresponding ministries, on a sector basis.”
https://www.clingendael.org/publication/standardisation-chinese-characteristics