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The Digital Silk Road: China's Quest to Wire the World and Win the Future
An expert on China’s global infrastructure expansion provides an urgent look at the battle to connect and control tomorrow’s networks.
From the ocean floor to outer space, China’s Digital Silk Road aims to wire the world and rewrite the global order. Taking readers on a journey inside China’s surveillance state, rural America, and Africa’s megacities, Jonathan Hillman reveals what China’s expanding digital footprint looks like on the ground and explores the economic and strategic consequences of a future in which all routers lead to Beijing.
If China becomes the world’s chief network operator, it could reap a commercial and strategic windfall, including many advantages currently enjoyed by the United States.
It could reshape global flows of data, finance, and communications to reflect its interests. It could possess an unrivaled understanding of market movements, the deliberations of foreign competitors, and the lives of countless individuals enmeshed in its networks.
However, China’s digital dominance is not yet assured. Beijing remains vulnerable in several key dimensions, the United States and its allies have an opportunity to offer better alternatives, and the rest of the world has a voice. But winning the battle for tomorrow’s networks will require the United States to innovate and take greater risks in emerging markets. Networks create large winners, and this is a contest America cannot afford to lose.
From the ocean floor to outer space, China’s Digital Silk Road aims to wire the world and rewrite the global order. Taking readers on a journey inside China’s surveillance state, rural America, and Africa’s megacities, Jonathan Hillman reveals what China’s expanding digital footprint looks like on the ground and explores the economic and strategic consequences of a future in which all routers lead to Beijing.
If China becomes the world’s chief network operator, it could reap a commercial and strategic windfall, including many advantages currently enjoyed by the United States.
It could reshape global flows of data, finance, and communications to reflect its interests. It could possess an unrivaled understanding of market movements, the deliberations of foreign competitors, and the lives of countless individuals enmeshed in its networks.
However, China’s digital dominance is not yet assured. Beijing remains vulnerable in several key dimensions, the United States and its allies have an opportunity to offer better alternatives, and the rest of the world has a voice. But winning the battle for tomorrow’s networks will require the United States to innovate and take greater risks in emerging markets. Networks create large winners, and this is a contest America cannot afford to lose.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 19, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 54 reviews
July 8, 2022
In reviewing "The Digital Silk Road" I think it prudent to start with some PSA-ish points. While Hillman claims bipartisanship through his position at CSIS (Center for Strategic and International Studies, a U.S. think tank), his focus and goals are almost exclusively ones of U.S. interests. As such he turns a blind eye to "inconvenient" bits regarding U.S. - and to some degree other western - abuses except where it is impossible. Similarly, his argumentation is one that promotes continued U.S. dominance. "Allies" sometimes get lumped in there, but it's pretty clear that they primarily count as long as they benefit the U.S.'s goals. So if you're tired of or just not interested in that perspective, there are other sources out there for you.
The book itself is accessible, but pretty dry (in that particularly academic and policy-briefing way...). And, Hillman does a good job of illustrating how China's digital global reach is a deliberate state-directed and state-sanctioned strategy. A strategy that aims to usurp the U.S. as the dominant global go-to source and force with regards to technology. He discusses how, while sometimes fumbling and farcical, the strategy is working - in no small degree due to the naiveté and greed of western governments, corporations, and individuals. Sometimes, though, China or a Chinese options is the only choice - either because it literally is, or because it's the only affordable option. Finally, Hillman ends with a call to action with the aim of maintaining U.S. dominance - with an attempt at the inclusion of "leading democracies" (and interesting distinction worth keeping in mind when reading the book) in the efforts - by providing public support of private western firms so that these can compete with their Chinese competitors.
So why all this hubbub over technological dominance? Well, information is power, and Hillman would rather the U.S. wield that power than China. I'm inclined to agree, even if I'm neither exactly stoked by the direction the U.S. is heading in, nor in how it uses its technological power. Personally, I don't really think we need a surveillance camera on every corner (or, as Hillman notes, in people's fecking living rooms). State surveillance doesn't sound good to me - regardless of the state. Neither does corporate surveillance for that matter, be it publicly subsidized or not. Hillman talks about freedoms, openness, and ethical behaviors; yet it's pretty clear that he doesn't actually believe in either, at least not in a true sense of the words. No, he just doesn't want China to be the determinator of what these are, but he seems ok with it being the U.S..
And that's kinda the rub. Yes, China's practices make my skin crawl, and they've taken it to the next level. However, in essence, China has simply just copied (and tweaked) the U.S.'s playbook from the last century or so. And Hillman doesn't like that. Nor do I, but I don't think Hillman's other (binary) option sounds particularly appealing either.
I can't say that I liked the book, but parts of it are interesting and, I think, important - namely the bits about the Chinese strategy and the mistakes that have and continue to enable it. That being said, I'd recommend keeping the caveats above in mind while reading it.
The book itself is accessible, but pretty dry (in that particularly academic and policy-briefing way...). And, Hillman does a good job of illustrating how China's digital global reach is a deliberate state-directed and state-sanctioned strategy. A strategy that aims to usurp the U.S. as the dominant global go-to source and force with regards to technology. He discusses how, while sometimes fumbling and farcical, the strategy is working - in no small degree due to the naiveté and greed of western governments, corporations, and individuals. Sometimes, though, China or a Chinese options is the only choice - either because it literally is, or because it's the only affordable option. Finally, Hillman ends with a call to action with the aim of maintaining U.S. dominance - with an attempt at the inclusion of "leading democracies" (and interesting distinction worth keeping in mind when reading the book) in the efforts - by providing public support of private western firms so that these can compete with their Chinese competitors.
So why all this hubbub over technological dominance? Well, information is power, and Hillman would rather the U.S. wield that power than China. I'm inclined to agree, even if I'm neither exactly stoked by the direction the U.S. is heading in, nor in how it uses its technological power. Personally, I don't really think we need a surveillance camera on every corner (or, as Hillman notes, in people's fecking living rooms). State surveillance doesn't sound good to me - regardless of the state. Neither does corporate surveillance for that matter, be it publicly subsidized or not. Hillman talks about freedoms, openness, and ethical behaviors; yet it's pretty clear that he doesn't actually believe in either, at least not in a true sense of the words. No, he just doesn't want China to be the determinator of what these are, but he seems ok with it being the U.S..
And that's kinda the rub. Yes, China's practices make my skin crawl, and they've taken it to the next level. However, in essence, China has simply just copied (and tweaked) the U.S.'s playbook from the last century or so. And Hillman doesn't like that. Nor do I, but I don't think Hillman's other (binary) option sounds particularly appealing either.
I can't say that I liked the book, but parts of it are interesting and, I think, important - namely the bits about the Chinese strategy and the mistakes that have and continue to enable it. That being said, I'd recommend keeping the caveats above in mind while reading it.
October 24, 2021
Fittingly for a book on networks, 'The Digital Silk Road' that helped me connect a variety of trends and data points around China's approach to the internet, digital infrastructure and the contest for influence.
At the start of the 20th century, Britain dominated the global telegram network giving it a significant advantage at the start of the First World War. At the start of the 21st century, the United States dominated the digital network giving it an advantage in strategic and commercial zones. Over the last four decades however, China has been trying to find ways to muscle in, both carving out sovereign zones at home that are free of western information and leverage, while expanding its access, information and leverage abroad.
The Digital Silk Road is a highly readable account of these efforts. From the rise of Huawai and its relationship with the CCP and PLA, through Chinese thinking about information warfare and to its massive digital infrastructure efforts. Including rolling out new submarine cables deep below, and helping developing countries launch satellites into the skies above. Anyone following the news will have heard of some or all of these efforts, but this text helps to connect them together.
In doing so, it also helped me better understand some of the turmoil and confusion I encounter from western policymakers. Where the US approach to the digital sphere succeeded through open & efficient networks, China is succeeding through closed and inefficient networks. Around the world, including inside developed western countries, this is providing China with thousands of both commercial and intelligence opportunities. Yet, if western policymakers try to protect themselves from risks by restricting their networks, they risk losing the strengths of openness and efficiency their societies have come to rely on. And as Hillman rightly points out, simply trying to warn other countries away from embedding with Chinese technology is neither effective nor sufficient.
Personally I remain cautious about some of the significance of this 'weaponised interdependence' as the scholarly literature calls it. The US had digital and air dominance in Afghanistan and Iraq and it mattered not a lick. Likewise, the story of the Cold War shows that many countries will happily pursue large economic deals with the major powers while still doing what they wanted to do independently anyway. Thankfully Hillman is a careful observer, quick to point out the US still retains by far the dominant position across global networks, and he does not fall into the temptation to hype the significance of these obviously critical issues.
The end result of his analysis however is to show clearly how China is pursuing a genuine 'strategy'. Meaning, putting itself in a position of continuing advantage. It is decreasing risks of spying and unwanted information at home. It is gaining economic strength. And through the sometimes perverse nature of politics, the more foreign countries, cities and companies cooperate in rolling out its digital infrastructure, the more they are bound to China. Since highlighting problems would harm the economic relationship and reflect badly on the politicians who set it up. All the while giving the CCP more access and information in shaping these external societies to suit its needs.
A quick, but compelling read that helps make sense of the news headlines and show why they matter. Worth a weekend read.
At the start of the 20th century, Britain dominated the global telegram network giving it a significant advantage at the start of the First World War. At the start of the 21st century, the United States dominated the digital network giving it an advantage in strategic and commercial zones. Over the last four decades however, China has been trying to find ways to muscle in, both carving out sovereign zones at home that are free of western information and leverage, while expanding its access, information and leverage abroad.
The Digital Silk Road is a highly readable account of these efforts. From the rise of Huawai and its relationship with the CCP and PLA, through Chinese thinking about information warfare and to its massive digital infrastructure efforts. Including rolling out new submarine cables deep below, and helping developing countries launch satellites into the skies above. Anyone following the news will have heard of some or all of these efforts, but this text helps to connect them together.
In doing so, it also helped me better understand some of the turmoil and confusion I encounter from western policymakers. Where the US approach to the digital sphere succeeded through open & efficient networks, China is succeeding through closed and inefficient networks. Around the world, including inside developed western countries, this is providing China with thousands of both commercial and intelligence opportunities. Yet, if western policymakers try to protect themselves from risks by restricting their networks, they risk losing the strengths of openness and efficiency their societies have come to rely on. And as Hillman rightly points out, simply trying to warn other countries away from embedding with Chinese technology is neither effective nor sufficient.
Personally I remain cautious about some of the significance of this 'weaponised interdependence' as the scholarly literature calls it. The US had digital and air dominance in Afghanistan and Iraq and it mattered not a lick. Likewise, the story of the Cold War shows that many countries will happily pursue large economic deals with the major powers while still doing what they wanted to do independently anyway. Thankfully Hillman is a careful observer, quick to point out the US still retains by far the dominant position across global networks, and he does not fall into the temptation to hype the significance of these obviously critical issues.
The end result of his analysis however is to show clearly how China is pursuing a genuine 'strategy'. Meaning, putting itself in a position of continuing advantage. It is decreasing risks of spying and unwanted information at home. It is gaining economic strength. And through the sometimes perverse nature of politics, the more foreign countries, cities and companies cooperate in rolling out its digital infrastructure, the more they are bound to China. Since highlighting problems would harm the economic relationship and reflect badly on the politicians who set it up. All the while giving the CCP more access and information in shaping these external societies to suit its needs.
A quick, but compelling read that helps make sense of the news headlines and show why they matter. Worth a weekend read.
January 7, 2022
Starts well with early chapters that document the incredible rise of Huawei and its strategic intent. The latter half is more hypothesis than fact based, putting forward a view of a hegemonic Chinese control of communications in a few decades time which seems binary and simplistic. The book is also blind to Western abuse of communications networks, including those by the US. There is an implicit assumption here that Western powers are benign and will continue to be so, which isn't proven out by the wider fact base. The book's bias and binary approach to potential outcomes lets down an otherwise brave approach to frame up an incredibly important issue that deserves more attention from scholars like this.
April 15, 2024
The sumarial portions of this book were actually quite useful. The author does a good job untangling a complex web of Chinese owned digital infrastructure to provide a helpful overview of Chinese participation in the digital economy. I would read this book again just for the in depth studies of Huawei, Hikvision, and others.
But the analytical portion of this book was lacking. The author relied too much on the assumption that Chinese entities are indistinguishable from the CCP and are therefore communist and therefore bad. There wasn’t enough use of concrete case studies where Chinese entities behaved in uniquely egregious manners to convince me that these companies are any more exploitative than the average US tech corporation.
When the author did consider specific examples of potential sabotage or exploitation by China, they felt almost indistinguishable from US actions. For example, the authors repeated assertion that Huawei is an immense security risk for developing nations because of its ability to collect signals intelligence is rather ironic give the documented history of US global surveillance.
Overall, the author makes too large of a jump from documenting Chinas competitiveness in narrow sectors within digital infrastructure, to portraying a China that could enslave the free world through its technological dominance. Too much attention is given to the worst case scenario, and there is not enough conversation of more plausible alternative futures.
But the analytical portion of this book was lacking. The author relied too much on the assumption that Chinese entities are indistinguishable from the CCP and are therefore communist and therefore bad. There wasn’t enough use of concrete case studies where Chinese entities behaved in uniquely egregious manners to convince me that these companies are any more exploitative than the average US tech corporation.
When the author did consider specific examples of potential sabotage or exploitation by China, they felt almost indistinguishable from US actions. For example, the authors repeated assertion that Huawei is an immense security risk for developing nations because of its ability to collect signals intelligence is rather ironic give the documented history of US global surveillance.
Overall, the author makes too large of a jump from documenting Chinas competitiveness in narrow sectors within digital infrastructure, to portraying a China that could enslave the free world through its technological dominance. Too much attention is given to the worst case scenario, and there is not enough conversation of more plausible alternative futures.
January 17, 2023
Scarier Than A Jack Ketchum Book
I found this a very scary book.
Some really concerning parts about Huawei and Hikvision.
I would recommend this as a very important national security read for those cybersecurity-minded.
This book got me very paranoid about all the facial recognition tracking that is likely going on in our own cities here in the West, and sending it back home to China.
4.6/5
I found this a very scary book.
Some really concerning parts about Huawei and Hikvision.
I would recommend this as a very important national security read for those cybersecurity-minded.
This book got me very paranoid about all the facial recognition tracking that is likely going on in our own cities here in the West, and sending it back home to China.
4.6/5
April 2, 2022
3.5 Starts would be my actual rating. The books is we’ll researched and touches on key aspects of the Digital Silk Road. Often times the author goes into too many irrelevant details that adds no value to the key ideas and concepts of the book. Although the bias in favour of western countries is very easy to perceive, the books serves as a really good source of information and presents a solid picture of the CCP’s plans in the digital space (both at domestic and international levels). I would recommend this book to someone else interested in China.
December 31, 2022
Would rate slightly higher if it wasn’t for a very US-centric worldview bordering on propaganda.
The initial historical analysis covers some business practices that align well with the underlying message of the book. The caveat here - the further additions to that message overlooks missteps on the “west” side, while highlighting those on the Chinese side.
This is meant to raise awareness and not provide a balanced view. As such it achieves the goal pretty well.
The initial historical analysis covers some business practices that align well with the underlying message of the book. The caveat here - the further additions to that message overlooks missteps on the “west” side, while highlighting those on the Chinese side.
This is meant to raise awareness and not provide a balanced view. As such it achieves the goal pretty well.
Read
August 23, 2023Took me forever (thought I was gonna write a paper related to this book’s topic then didn’t) but I finished! Hard to give it an overall rating but I’ll say, much to think/worry about but good to see there’s someone talking about possible avenues for infrastructural challenges and geopolitical issues for the coming years.
January 6, 2023
Jonathan, for 1 million GBP use other words than “emerging markets” and “developing world”, I beg of you. Anyway, you’ll only get something out of this book if you are a raging racist, a fascist, and/or a neocolonialist. DO NOT READ THIS GARBAGE🤮
October 1, 2022
China is:
1. Building 5G networks all over the world, including (the audacity!) in Glasgow, Montana. Because no one else wants to do it at an acceptable price. Because no Western country staff were willing to undergo the hardship to build one in African countries. Still unacceptable.
2. Building undersea cables connecting the world. Controlling data flow.
3. Eavesdropping on everyone. Only CIA is allowed to do that…
4. Loaning money to developing countries to build those networks. When IMF and World Bank would not even consider them. Debt traps!
5. Building satellites and Beidou navigating system.
6. Using AI to terrorise people. And selling it to all the Non-Western countries. Wait, the AI is actually quite lousy, mistaking a car for a person.
Europe is sitting on the side line. Having no digital champions on its own, it has decided to fine American giants.
India is sitting on the side line. Not really removing all the Chinese equipment.
America must uninstall all Chinese equipment at once, subsidise Western network sales to developing countries. Deny China its technology. Uncouple. Decouple.
Maybe China is successful because it is actually providing something useful to developing countries? Maybe America had mostly ignored them previously because they were not in its strategic interest? Maybe America just spies on everyone and thus developing countries see no difference in installing whatever networks?
Maybe that’s why recent courting of the pacific islands by America was not as well received as expected… the writer would do well to listen to other people’s point of view to offer better advice.
1. Building 5G networks all over the world, including (the audacity!) in Glasgow, Montana. Because no one else wants to do it at an acceptable price. Because no Western country staff were willing to undergo the hardship to build one in African countries. Still unacceptable.
2. Building undersea cables connecting the world. Controlling data flow.
3. Eavesdropping on everyone. Only CIA is allowed to do that…
4. Loaning money to developing countries to build those networks. When IMF and World Bank would not even consider them. Debt traps!
5. Building satellites and Beidou navigating system.
6. Using AI to terrorise people. And selling it to all the Non-Western countries. Wait, the AI is actually quite lousy, mistaking a car for a person.
Europe is sitting on the side line. Having no digital champions on its own, it has decided to fine American giants.
India is sitting on the side line. Not really removing all the Chinese equipment.
America must uninstall all Chinese equipment at once, subsidise Western network sales to developing countries. Deny China its technology. Uncouple. Decouple.
Maybe China is successful because it is actually providing something useful to developing countries? Maybe America had mostly ignored them previously because they were not in its strategic interest? Maybe America just spies on everyone and thus developing countries see no difference in installing whatever networks?
Maybe that’s why recent courting of the pacific islands by America was not as well received as expected… the writer would do well to listen to other people’s point of view to offer better advice.
January 19, 2023
An extensively referenced book providing a thrilling summary of China's operations on the digital front. It reminds you that behind many of our everyday technologies, there are people who often have more shady interests than just making money. The book also makes you think about how digital underlies almost every discipline of our lives, and that we should focus more on security and common strategy moving forward. The only problem I've experienced with this book is the all-American perspective and the resulting "American-bias" which presents China as the bad guy that only Americans can save you from... while in fact, both countries want to dominate the information revolution, and some tactics on both sides are very similar. So if you're able to ignore that aspect, I think it's a good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2024
If history is written by the victors, so are fantasies of the future. Among the most alluring and dangerous of these tales, born in the blinding glow of Cold War victory, was the idea that communications technology would inevitably promote liberty. As former U.S. president Ronald Reagan told a London audience in 1989, “More than armies, more than diplomacy, more than the best intentions of democratic nations, the communications revolution will be the greatest force for the advancement of human freedom the world has ever seen.”
Just three decades ago, China was totally reliant on foreign companies for all its technological capabilities. Huawei was a middling reseller. China’s most progressive communications satellites were made in the United States. The world’s subsea fiber-optic cable providers were wholly from the United States, Europe, and Japan.
Deficiency in these systems, let alone the capability to produce them, China’s first connection to the global internet came through a Sprint satellite network in 1994. Since then, China has leapt from customer to supplier, from copycat to innovator, from network offshoot to operator.
China’s express upsurge is dominated only by its global ambitions for the next three decades. Chinese leader Xi Jinping has called for his country to dominate advanced technology manufacturing by 2025, to lead standard setting by 2035, and to become a global superpower by 2050.
Xi is mobilizing companies to pour resources into developing digital infrastructure at home and sell more of their products overseas through his Belt and Road Initiative. The Digital Silk Road, part of that initiative and the focus of this book, connects China’s bid for technological independence at home and its quest to dominate tomorrow’s markets.
History cautions that much more than sales figures are at stake. AT&T applied its expertise to help develop nuclear weapons, a missile warning system, and a secret communications network for Air Force One, among other national security projects.
“The consecration of the state, implicit or explicit, has been crucial to every twentieth-century information empire,” observes Tim Wu, a Columbia Law professor who joined President Biden’s National Economic Council, in The Master Switch. Now a new information empire is emerging with vast support from the Chinese state.
The pages of this book describe its contours and grapple with its consequences.
A compelling read, Recommended.
Just three decades ago, China was totally reliant on foreign companies for all its technological capabilities. Huawei was a middling reseller. China’s most progressive communications satellites were made in the United States. The world’s subsea fiber-optic cable providers were wholly from the United States, Europe, and Japan.
Deficiency in these systems, let alone the capability to produce them, China’s first connection to the global internet came through a Sprint satellite network in 1994. Since then, China has leapt from customer to supplier, from copycat to innovator, from network offshoot to operator.
China’s express upsurge is dominated only by its global ambitions for the next three decades. Chinese leader Xi Jinping has called for his country to dominate advanced technology manufacturing by 2025, to lead standard setting by 2035, and to become a global superpower by 2050.
Xi is mobilizing companies to pour resources into developing digital infrastructure at home and sell more of their products overseas through his Belt and Road Initiative. The Digital Silk Road, part of that initiative and the focus of this book, connects China’s bid for technological independence at home and its quest to dominate tomorrow’s markets.
History cautions that much more than sales figures are at stake. AT&T applied its expertise to help develop nuclear weapons, a missile warning system, and a secret communications network for Air Force One, among other national security projects.
“The consecration of the state, implicit or explicit, has been crucial to every twentieth-century information empire,” observes Tim Wu, a Columbia Law professor who joined President Biden’s National Economic Council, in The Master Switch. Now a new information empire is emerging with vast support from the Chinese state.
The pages of this book describe its contours and grapple with its consequences.
A compelling read, Recommended.
January 5, 2026
In 2000, Clinton was pushing the idea that trade and technology would turn China into a democracy. Trying to control free speech, he said, was like "trying to nail jello to the wall". And the first chapter of this book details how China proceeded to do exactly that, dangling its huge domestic market as a carrot that Western technology firms were falling over each other to sell solutions, sell consulting services, and eventually transferred much of the intellectual property that made China the powerhouse it has become today. The playbook seems similar across industries - scrape by selling to markets that the West ignored - those too poor, too dangerous, too inhospitable or politically outcast - and also offer them debt financing as part of the Belt and Road Initiative, which some countries come to regret.
The book looks are a few different key digital sectors in turn. The first is mobile networks, but since I just read an entire book on Huawei I don't repeat too much here. One interesting thing was that they got a big boost by recruiting Nortel engineers after it went bankrupt, and plenty of consulting from IBM to modernise their enterprise.
China has become a leading provider of cloud and internet infrastructure. This caused some major concerns when it was found that data that should have stayed within the US was being routed through China telcos due to misconfigurations of the Internet routing protocols. China's cloud providers have also grown very large, even though their main business is to host Chinese companies expanding globally, or global companies trying to get into China.
China has also become the leading provider of surveillance equipment, which it markets for smart cities and for public safety and security, all at irresistibly low prices. Even though the products don't always work as advertised, they are very difficult for cash-strapped governments to pass up. They have also become one of the largest owners of satellites, and China's Beidou positioning network is already better than GPS and other alternatives in the Asia-Pacific. China has also become one of the largest manufacturers of submarine cables, and have undertaken some ambitious inter-continental project between developing countries.
This book is trying to sound an alarm over how dominant China has become in all kinds of global digital infrastructure. It also points out that the scaremongering tactics of the US will not be enough to dissuade countries from picking Chinese products, if the West cannot offer viable and affordable alternatives.
The book looks are a few different key digital sectors in turn. The first is mobile networks, but since I just read an entire book on Huawei I don't repeat too much here. One interesting thing was that they got a big boost by recruiting Nortel engineers after it went bankrupt, and plenty of consulting from IBM to modernise their enterprise.
China has become a leading provider of cloud and internet infrastructure. This caused some major concerns when it was found that data that should have stayed within the US was being routed through China telcos due to misconfigurations of the Internet routing protocols. China's cloud providers have also grown very large, even though their main business is to host Chinese companies expanding globally, or global companies trying to get into China.
China has also become the leading provider of surveillance equipment, which it markets for smart cities and for public safety and security, all at irresistibly low prices. Even though the products don't always work as advertised, they are very difficult for cash-strapped governments to pass up. They have also become one of the largest owners of satellites, and China's Beidou positioning network is already better than GPS and other alternatives in the Asia-Pacific. China has also become one of the largest manufacturers of submarine cables, and have undertaken some ambitious inter-continental project between developing countries.
This book is trying to sound an alarm over how dominant China has become in all kinds of global digital infrastructure. It also points out that the scaremongering tactics of the US will not be enough to dissuade countries from picking Chinese products, if the West cannot offer viable and affordable alternatives.
December 30, 2021
I was reading this book during an interesting week that highlights China's power. Firstly The Pillar of Shame statue was removed from the Hong Kong University campus, this statue symbolizes the lives lost in the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre. Truth nor beauty will be represented in Xi Jinping's China. Prodemocracy statues obviously have no place in Hong Kong, a place that desperately fought for democracy for all the world to see.
Secondly, Amazon announced that comments and ratings were being disabled for Xi JinPing's latest book. A ghost written book, based on my limited research, (please bare in mind, this is not cited nor well researched). Amazon claimed it was because the written word is important to them to Reuters, no mention of profits. Please note this my own view of the article and not attributed to Reuters. For what it's worth in my home country reviews and ratings are allowed. They are dismal.
https://www.thewrap.com/amazon-china-...
As for the Digital Silk road I found it compelling. I found myself pausing frequently and questioning my online activity, my wearables and devices. What information of mine does China own and how much does it matter? Does my FitBit data make a difference? Do they care about my credit rating and minimal debt? Are my online comments of interest?
I also found myself talking about China more to my friends and family, especially with the upcoming Olympics? Should our athletes attend? Are they safe? What about the Two Michaels? Needless to say chapter after chapter got in my mind and I wrestled with the content.
I am already familiar with The Belt and Road Initiative but I wasn't aware of exactly how insidious it was nor on what a grand scale. However all of it makes sense. And it is chilling.
Although I don't have a technical background I never found this book too techy. The author sources his material well and the reader is able to review the sources easily when they wish. Overall I recommend this book to anyone interested in Global Politics and Human Rights. Or who simply just enjoys a good non-fiction book.
I also recommend this book to anyone that spends time on Social Media. Challenge yourself to look for those comments or topic changes whenever China is the topic. I have already engaged with one commenter and asked if they were from the United Front. They stopped engaging.
Secondly, Amazon announced that comments and ratings were being disabled for Xi JinPing's latest book. A ghost written book, based on my limited research, (please bare in mind, this is not cited nor well researched). Amazon claimed it was because the written word is important to them to Reuters, no mention of profits. Please note this my own view of the article and not attributed to Reuters. For what it's worth in my home country reviews and ratings are allowed. They are dismal.
https://www.thewrap.com/amazon-china-...
As for the Digital Silk road I found it compelling. I found myself pausing frequently and questioning my online activity, my wearables and devices. What information of mine does China own and how much does it matter? Does my FitBit data make a difference? Do they care about my credit rating and minimal debt? Are my online comments of interest?
I also found myself talking about China more to my friends and family, especially with the upcoming Olympics? Should our athletes attend? Are they safe? What about the Two Michaels? Needless to say chapter after chapter got in my mind and I wrestled with the content.
I am already familiar with The Belt and Road Initiative but I wasn't aware of exactly how insidious it was nor on what a grand scale. However all of it makes sense. And it is chilling.
Although I don't have a technical background I never found this book too techy. The author sources his material well and the reader is able to review the sources easily when they wish. Overall I recommend this book to anyone interested in Global Politics and Human Rights. Or who simply just enjoys a good non-fiction book.
I also recommend this book to anyone that spends time on Social Media. Challenge yourself to look for those comments or topic changes whenever China is the topic. I have already engaged with one commenter and asked if they were from the United Front. They stopped engaging.
August 9, 2024
Jonathan Hillman’s 'The Digital Silk Road' offers a timely and well-researched exploration of China's ambitious efforts to dominate global digital infrastructure. Hillman delves deep into the subject, providing detailed analysis backed by extensive case studies that span across various regions, including Africa, rural America, and China’s own surveillance state. His thorough approach helps readers grasp the broad scope and potential implications of China’s expanding digital footprint.
Having worked with several of the Chinese tech firms mentioned in the book and researched the cyber security aspects of these topics, I found myself appreciating the quality of Hillman’s analysis. The accuracy of his assessment, particularly in the complex areas of technology and geopolitics, aligns well with my own experiences. Hillman’s ability to distil these intricate issues into engaging and accessible narratives is commendable, making the book both informative and enjoyable for a broad audience.
One of the book’s standout qualities is its relevance. As digital infrastructure increasingly influences global power dynamics, Hillman’s work serves as an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the future of international relations and the strategic challenges posed by China’s digital ambitions. However, some readers might note a perceived Western bias in the analysis, with the narrative occasionally focusing heavily on the threat to Western interests. This perspective, while valuable, might benefit from a more balanced consideration of the broader global context.
Overall, 'The Digital Silk Road' is a compelling and insightful book that offers a critical look at one of the most pressing geopolitical challenges of our time. Hillman’s detailed research, engaging writing, and timely focus make it a must-read, though readers should approach it with a critical mind to fully appreciate the complexities involved.
Having worked with several of the Chinese tech firms mentioned in the book and researched the cyber security aspects of these topics, I found myself appreciating the quality of Hillman’s analysis. The accuracy of his assessment, particularly in the complex areas of technology and geopolitics, aligns well with my own experiences. Hillman’s ability to distil these intricate issues into engaging and accessible narratives is commendable, making the book both informative and enjoyable for a broad audience.
One of the book’s standout qualities is its relevance. As digital infrastructure increasingly influences global power dynamics, Hillman’s work serves as an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the future of international relations and the strategic challenges posed by China’s digital ambitions. However, some readers might note a perceived Western bias in the analysis, with the narrative occasionally focusing heavily on the threat to Western interests. This perspective, while valuable, might benefit from a more balanced consideration of the broader global context.
Overall, 'The Digital Silk Road' is a compelling and insightful book that offers a critical look at one of the most pressing geopolitical challenges of our time. Hillman’s detailed research, engaging writing, and timely focus make it a must-read, though readers should approach it with a critical mind to fully appreciate the complexities involved.
July 3, 2022
This work, published in October 2021, is an important contribution that lays out how the technology that the People's Republic of China (PRC) has developed, which it utilizes to maintain a surveillance state at home, is being used to expand the PRC's influence abroad with countries in multiple regions acquiring these systems. This is unfolding during a period of great mistrust between the U.S. and the PRC as the Digital Silk Road, part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), impacts the development paths of numerous countries worldwide. Technology standardization is a key geopolitical challenge with the PRC's release of its China Standards 2035 plan, which outlines a strategy to influence global standard setting for technology in the coming years. Mr. Hillman argues that this contest is not yet decided and that liberal democracies must do more in the multilateral bodies that set technical standards and in broader efforts to advance ethical norms in order to promote more open, freer societies. The June 2022 G7 announcement is a useful step, but that pledge to raise $600 billion (both public and private funds) over five years to finance needed infrastructure in developing countries is reactive. While the PRC's multi-trillion dollar BRI, launched in 2013 has projects in over a hundred nations, liberal democracies are going through a period of populism where they have been less engaged in those developing countries.
August 19, 2023
Like his previous book on the Silk Road, Hillman does an excellent job providing an overview of how China's expansion into foreign markets in support of national security interests. Hillman's writing, his summaries, and his commentary are top notch and this book serves as an excellent primer for people new to studying China, or as a refresher for those who have been following the events covered in the book over the last several years. Unlike other books and commentators, Hillman also strikes a good balance between highlighting the national security threats of Chinese telecommunications companies expanding networks and setting international standards without exaggerating or being alarmist. Hillman rightly covers the developing world's criticism of the U.S. and the west for not providing alternatives to to Chinese equipment for expanding networks, a warning that should motivate policy makers and political officials to action.
While Hillman's book is excellent overall, there is very little new coverage of the events described in the book and Hillman does not take the opportunity to extend his gifts of insight and analysis to a chapter or two more fully describing the failures of the U.S. to confront China and offer policy prescriptions.
While Hillman's book is excellent overall, there is very little new coverage of the events described in the book and Hillman does not take the opportunity to extend his gifts of insight and analysis to a chapter or two more fully describing the failures of the U.S. to confront China and offer policy prescriptions.
January 21, 2022
Start reading this great book at the last chapter where the dystopian consequences of the rise of modern China are discussed. From this summary we might get a sense of the spate of techno horror movies that have seized the imagination of both the movie industry and popular culture over the last thirty years. The evil empire of the mind represented by CCP strategists coldly persues a 'get even' and 'take over the world' military strategy that is described in this chapter as a gloss on their own words. If the book began with this chapter the emotional reaction might be this is too scary to delve into. That reaction could be validated by Hillman in the sense that he does not dive into the reality of what he ends the book by describing. He is more than generous in the technical details of finance, industry, engineering and our own naïve level of 'philosophy' that material growth will promote in China (and in Islamic world) a natural growth of good will toward outsiders. We ignored the turn that Japan took against the West whose 'knowledge' had made it and Japan great powers.
January 23, 2022
THE RACE TO WIRE THE WORLD. Fascinating book about the race to wire the world generally and China’s strategy in particular. The book paints China and it’s companies in a bad light, presenting them as unfair competitors, at best. I’m not going to argue with the book’s findings, there is plenty of compelling evidence of intellectual property theft, and disregard for the privacy laws of certain jurisdictions, amongst other things. But what I found particularly interesting, and sadly not surprising, is how US and other big players in various industries were more than happy to facilitate what China and it’s companies have done on this front. For the end user customers, cost and availability are huge issues, so understandable why Chinese products are attractive alternatives. Notwithstanding all of this, what China and it’s companies have achieved in little more than a generation is incredible. And after making so much progress, they now find themselves in a position where they too have IP which others covet and their cost advantage is not what it used to be.
October 7, 2024
This brief book is very eye-opening,even though it's brief. It coalesces the ideas from many other books along a timeline and show how the Internet is not a playground or even a platform for sharing ideas anymore. It was extended to humanity as a tool to enhance prosperity and understanding. It's all of that,but it's also a tremedous tool for the passive,willing collection of everyone's data,both covertly and overtly with the goal being a kind of omniscence weilded by the so called Democracies and Autocracies. One has to wonder if such a system has our best interests at heart as it seeks to divide and limit the world's advances by suggesting such division itself. The book points out how the infrasturcture of the 19th and 20th centuries was a major asset and how the major asset of the 21st.century is data itself. Perhaps humanity will be reduced to insignificance as the concept of who is supplanted with reducing us to insignificant data points or what. The future is both exciting and terrifying.
August 30, 2025
Just finished The Digital Silk Road by Jonathan E. Hillman, and it is amazing on how China is quietly building influence not just with roads and ports, but with cables, satellites, and data. The book doesn’t just talk about technology, it shows how power today is shaped by who controls the flow of information. What I like is how Hillman balances between analysis and storytelling, making something as “geopolitical” as 5G and undersea cables actually readable. The only tough part is that the structure and language can be a bit hard to follow at times, but overall it’s worth the effort—it makes me reflect on how the future world order won’t be decided only by politics, but also by who builds the invisible infrastructure we all rely on daily #wulsread
January 9, 2022
Un interesante libro sobre el desarrollo y auge tecnológico de China. Aparecen detalles relacionados con una empresa bien conocida como es Huawei, pero también de empresas chinas desconocidas por el gran público occidental y que se dedican a la videovigilancia, a los cables submarinos o a los satelites. Y obviamente se incluye el poder, la presencia y sombra constante del Partido Comunista de China y su influencia en el desarrollo económico, en las decisiones empresariales de sectores estratégicos y por ende en la geopolítica, tanto regional como global. Interesante lectura para entender el mundo de hoy y lo que nos viene.
April 13, 2022
This book reads more like an extended long-form US policy memo (I read that the author was based at DC think-tank CSIS previously and is now Senior Advisor in the State Department, which perhaps explains it). In this regard, the angling of the narrative is clear vis-a-vis US-China competition in the digital and tech space. Even so, the book makes for an interesting read on the major global trends and developments in terms of digital connectivity growth and network proliferation, and the whole list of players involved. Also written quite accessibly so makes for relatively easy reading even if not from a technological background.
March 29, 2023
I found this book super remarkable and interesting, however I could not ignore the clear bias shown throughout. It appears that there is a linear line between good and evil - and that is America (good) vs. China (bad). However I disagree, I don’t trust either country with my data and believe that neither should be in full control. The most interesting part for me was the investigation into the Orwellian structures of 1984 that are being recreated in China, such as cameras in apartments that others living in the apartment can use to watch / spy on residents and report them. Very interesting and information dense novel, however hard to ignore bias in which neither is the best choice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2023
This is a book about global digital strategy. It pulls together various clips from reports and statistics to draw a picture of China's digital strengths and weaknesses, and makes suggestions about what can be done. The primary argument is for a rejection of binary thinking and embracing complexity, which is fine in so far as it goes. A secondary thread argues for the west supplementing initiatives to combat China's economic advantages, which seems unlikely to happen. Accurate or not, a picture of global digital flows offers a new and thoughtful way of seeing things. ok.
November 5, 2023
There just wasn't a lot of substance here. The author explains the rise of "China's" digital technology sector (itself a flawed concept, as he doesn't make much of a distinction between the Chinese government and its companies) and argues that it is bad. But he rarely articulates what the harms are, just a lot of implication that this might be a bad thing because China = bad. It's very possible that he's right that there will be a lot of negative consequences of this; I just don't think he made the case very effectively, and he definitely doesn't show how this has been harmful so far.
December 30, 2022
Admirable effort from the author, high-quality investigative work backed up with an extensive list of sources and amusingly, the author own experiments - from subscribing to a Hikvision training programme to acquiring and testing StarLink hardware. However, the reader is led to believe the US can save the day, this against the backdrop of Snowden’s revelations that deserved two small, passing references.
January 15, 2023
I moved between fascination, admiration and being just plain scared. The digital worls fascinates and me, I have had the privilege to work within its innovative context.
One thing that cannot be doubted is we must never , ever take our eye of the ball (or the router). So long, as with medicine, development, growth and innovation is moderated the world can be a better place.
Somehow I suspect this is not quite so scrupulously monitored in the digital world. I must read.
One thing that cannot be doubted is we must never , ever take our eye of the ball (or the router). So long, as with medicine, development, growth and innovation is moderated the world can be a better place.
Somehow I suspect this is not quite so scrupulously monitored in the digital world. I must read.
June 22, 2024
Badly written and very US-biased. The information is somewhat interesting but delivered in such a scaterred fashion I found it difficult to focus.
Don't get me wrong, how China is using personal data is very concerning, but having the USA monopolize this field is not much better (although admittedly somewhat). Apart from a few sentences on GDPR and scandals between the US and EU, the author completely fails to recognise this in this book. An instance of the pot calling the kettle black.
Don't get me wrong, how China is using personal data is very concerning, but having the USA monopolize this field is not much better (although admittedly somewhat). Apart from a few sentences on GDPR and scandals between the US and EU, the author completely fails to recognise this in this book. An instance of the pot calling the kettle black.
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