GFW is another word for "sovereign internet", which is what world is likely trending towards. IMO probably only matter of time before PRC offers turnkey SaaS to try to replace western platforms like they do security state packages / secure city. Wechat isn't going to take over the world but there's a chance Whatsapp can be replaced by fragmented but federated local alternatives. That's probably ultimate strategic vision for digital silkroad to erode US software dominance. Would be pretty easy sales pitch once a few pilot countries rolling, buy PRC stack, we help you secure your population, you squeeze out western platforms with local alternatives under your control that also adds high-end jobs to economy, win-win. More countries that sign up more network effects of US platforms diminish.
I wonder if it is Nepal. China does have an interest in influencing and controlling and exploiting its bordering countries, especially the ones that let it contain India. And Nepal just recently took a sharply authoritarian turn by banning social media platforms, leading to mass rioting. The YouTube videos of the demonstrations are incredible. But it certainly seems like a turning point one way or the other.
GFW is another word for "sovereign internet", which is what world is likely trending towards. IMO probably only matter of time before PRC offers turnkey SaaS to try to replace western platforms like they do security state packages / secure city. Wechat isn't going to take over the world but there's a chance Whatsapp can be replaced by fragmented but federated local alternatives. That's probably ultimate strategic vision for digital silkroad to erode US software dominance. Would be pretty easy sales pitch once a few pilot countries rolling, buy PRC stack, we help you secure your population, you squeeze out western platforms with local alternatives under your control that also adds high-end jobs to economy, win-win. More countries that sign up more network effects of US platforms diminish.
https://archive.is/bEF61
tl;dr: "Kazakhstan, Ethiopia, Pakistan, and Myanmar, as well as another unidentified country"
I wonder if it is Nepal. China does have an interest in influencing and controlling and exploiting its bordering countries, especially the ones that let it contain India. And Nepal just recently took a sharply authoritarian turn by banning social media platforms, leading to mass rioting. The YouTube videos of the demonstrations are incredible. But it certainly seems like a turning point one way or the other.
I had assumed they were already behind the GFW but that doesn't seem to be the case from a quick search.