Regional Perspectives on Chinese Digital Technology
A recent study, the 2025 Global Public Digital Technology Perception Report, conducted by Renmin University of China (RUC) in Beijing, indicates that China’s advancements in digital technology are garnering significant global recognition. The report reveals that a substantial 86% of respondents hold positive views regarding China’s progress in this domain. This comprehensive assessment, compiled by the university’s Global Opinion Research Center, is based on data collected from 7,599 individuals across 38 countries through a wide-ranging international online sample pool. The survey delves into five critical areas: the transformative effects of digital technologies on daily life, expectations and anxieties surrounding artificial intelligence (AI), and the growing acknowledgment of China’s digital prowess, especially in the Global South.
The report’s regional analysis offers valuable insights into the diverse levels of approval for Chinese digital technology in various parts of the world. Africa leads the way with the highest approval rate, an impressive 94.3%. South America follows closely with 93%, while Southeast Asia registers a substantial 91.1%. South Asia and Central Asia jointly record a noteworthy 90.7%, and the Middle East demonstrates considerable appreciation with 88.1%. This geographically diverse acceptance underscores the broad reach and perceived value of Chinese digital innovations across the globe. The specific reasons behind these varying levels of approval are explored in the sections below.
Africa: A Hub of Digital Adoption
Africa’s leading position in embracing Chinese digital technology is attributable to a confluence of factors. The continent has experienced a rapid increase in mobile phone penetration and internet access in recent years, creating a conducive environment for digital solutions. Chinese companies have been actively engaged in infrastructure development across Africa, including the deployment of fiber optic networks and the construction of data centers. This infrastructure investment has been pivotal in facilitating the adoption of Chinese digital technologies across various sectors, including finance, healthcare, and education. These sectors are undergoing significant transformation thanks to the accessibility and affordability of Chinese digital solutions.
Furthermore, Chinese digital platforms, such as mobile payment systems and e-commerce platforms, have gained significant traction in Africa, providing convenient and affordable services to consumers. The affordability and ease of use of these platforms have made them particularly appealing to a population with limited access to traditional banking and retail services. These platforms have also empowered local businesses by connecting them to a wider market and facilitating cross-border trade, contributing to economic growth and development within the continent. The growth of e-commerce, in particular, has opened up new opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses to reach customers beyond their local communities.
South America: Embracing Digital Transformation
South America’s high approval rate for Chinese digital technology reflects the region’s increasing focus on digital transformation. Governments across the continent are implementing policies to promote digitalization, improve internet access, and encourage the adoption of new technologies. These policies are designed to foster innovation, enhance economic competitiveness, and improve the quality of life for citizens. Chinese companies are playing a crucial role in this transformation by providing infrastructure, expertise, and innovative solutions. Their involvement is helping to accelerate the pace of digitalization and bridge the digital divide in the region.
For example, Chinese telecom companies are actively involved in expanding 5G networks in South America, enabling faster internet speeds and supporting the development of smart cities. This infrastructure upgrade is essential for supporting emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, and autonomous vehicles. Additionally, Chinese e-commerce platforms are gaining popularity in the region, offering consumers a wide range of products at competitive prices, increasing competition and driving down costs for consumers. The accessibility and affordability of these platforms are particularly appealing in a region where income inequality remains a significant challenge.
Southeast Asia: A Digital Powerhouse
Southeast Asia’s strong endorsement of Chinese digital technology underscores the region’s status as a digital powerhouse. The region boasts a young and tech-savvy population, a thriving startup ecosystem, and a rapidly growing digital economy. This combination of factors creates a fertile ground for digital innovation and adoption. Chinese companies have made significant investments in Southeast Asia, establishing research and development centers, forging partnerships with local businesses, and launching innovative digital solutions. These investments are driving economic growth, creating jobs, and fostering innovation across the region.
E-commerce, in particular, has witnessed explosive growth in Southeast Asia, driven by the increasing adoption of mobile internet and the proliferation of online shopping platforms. The convenience and accessibility of online shopping have made it increasingly popular among consumers, particularly in urban areas. Chinese e-commerce giants like Alibaba and JD.com have expanded their presence in the region, competing with local players and driving innovation in the e-commerce landscape. This competition is benefiting consumers by offering them a wider range of choices and lower prices.
South Asia and Central Asia: Emerging Digital Markets
South Asia and Central Asia’s positive perception of Chinese digital technology highlights the region’s potential as emerging digital markets. These regions are characterized by a large population, a growing middle class, and increasing internet penetration. These demographic and economic trends are creating significant opportunities for digital businesses. Chinese companies are actively targeting these markets, offering affordable and accessible digital solutions. The focus on affordability and accessibility is crucial for reaching the vast majority of the population in these regions.
For instance, Chinese mobile phone manufacturers have gained significant market share in South Asia and Central Asia, providing affordable smartphones to consumers. The availability of affordable smartphones is enabling more people to access the internet and participate in the digital economy. Chinese e-commerce platforms are also expanding their reach in these regions, connecting local businesses to global markets and facilitating cross-border trade, opening new markets for local businesses. This is helping to boost economic growth and create jobs in the region.
Middle East: Investing in Digital Infrastructure
The Middle East’s considerable appreciation for Chinese digital technology reflects the region’s focus on diversifying its economy and investing in digital infrastructure. Governments in the Middle East are implementing ambitious plans to transform their economies into knowledge-based economies, with a strong emphasis on technology and innovation. This diversification strategy is driven by the need to reduce reliance on oil revenues and create more sustainable economic growth. Chinese companies are playing a key role in this transformation by providing expertise, technology, and investment.
For example, Chinese companies are involved in the development of smart cities in the Middle East, providing solutions for urban planning, transportation, and energy management. These solutions are helping to improve the efficiency and sustainability of urban areas. Chinese telecom companies are also expanding 5G networks in the region, enabling faster internet speeds and supporting the development of new digital services. The deployment of 5G technology is paving the way for the adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and autonomous vehicles.
Leading Digital Sectors: AI and E-Commerce
The report further reveals that over half of the respondents identify AI and e-commerce as China’s foremost digital sectors. This perception is consistent with the global recognition of China’s leadership in these areas. The rapid global expansion of e-commerce platforms like Temu and SHEIN, driven by competitive pricing and efficient supply chains, underscores China’s dominance in this area. Their success highlights the importance of efficient logistics and competitive pricing in the global e-commerce market.
Artificial Intelligence: A Driver of Innovation
China has emerged as a global leader in AI, driven by substantial government investment, a large pool of talent, and a vibrant startup ecosystem. The government’s commitment to AI research and development has been instrumental in fostering innovation and attracting talent. Chinese AI companies are rapidly advancing in various fields, including computer vision, natural language processing, and robotics. These advancements are enabling the development of innovative AI solutions for a wide range of industries, such as healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.
The report highlights that Chinese AI is increasingly viewed as a driver of smart infrastructure and digital governance, particularly in regions like Africa. Chinese AI companies are providing solutions for traffic management, public safety, and environmental monitoring, helping to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government services. These applications of AI are helping to address some of the most pressing challenges facing developing countries.
E-Commerce: Transforming Global Retail
China’s e-commerce sector has experienced exponential growth in recent years, transforming the global retail landscape. This growth has been driven by factors such as increasing internet penetration, the rise of mobile commerce, and the availability of a wide range of products at competitive prices. E-commerce platforms like Alibaba and JD.com have revolutionized the way people shop, offering consumers a vast selection of products at competitive prices. These platforms have also empowered small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by providing them with access to a wider market and facilitating cross-border trade.
The report highlights the success of Chinese e-commerce platforms like Temu and SHEIN, which have rapidly expanded globally by offering affordable fashion and lifestyle products. These platforms have disrupted traditional retail models and have forced established players to adapt to the changing consumer landscape. Their success is a testament to the power of technology to democratize access to markets and empower consumers.
China’s Role in Global Digital Development
Zhang Di, a professor at the School of Journalism and Communication, RUC, emphasizes that Chinese tech companies are widely recognized as leaders in digital innovation. He points to examples such as DeepSeek’s R1 model, which delivered strong performance with minimal computing resources, and Tencent’s Hunyuan and Alibaba’s Qwen large language models, which ranked among top performers in benchmarks. These achievements demonstrate China’s growing capabilities in AI research and development. Furthermore, Alipay and WeChat Pay continue to expand their global reach, providing users with convenient payment solutions. Their widespread adoption underscores the convenience and efficiency of mobile payment systems.
Driving Digital Growth in the Global South
The report also underscores the positive impact of Chinese digital technology in the Global South, with 83.6% of respondents viewing it as a positive force in their countries. This positive perception is driven by the belief that Chinese digital technology is helping to bridge the digital divide and promote economic development in the region. Enhanced cooperation in technology, infrastructure, and talent development is strengthening the internationalization of Chinese tech companies and fostering digital growth in these regions. The focus on cooperation and capacity building is essential for ensuring the sustainable development of the digital economy in the Global South.
Chinese companies are actively involved in building digital infrastructure in the Global South, including fiber optic networks, data centers, and mobile phone towers. This infrastructure investment is laying the foundation for the growth of the digital economy in these regions. They are also providing training and education programs to develop local talent and promote digital literacy. This focus on human capital development is crucial for ensuring that the benefits of the digital economy are shared equitably. This collaboration is helping to bridge the digital divide and empower communities in the Global South to participate in the digital economy.
Bridging the Innovation Divide
Worldwide, the report identifies significant differences in attitudes toward innovation between developing and developed nations. A substantial 74.2% of respondents from developing countries closely follow global tech trends, compared to just 50.5% in developed countries. This suggests that developing countries are more eager to embrace new technologies and are more optimistic about their potential to improve lives. This enthusiasm for new technologies is a valuable asset for developing countries as they seek to catch up with developed countries.
The survey further reveals that 62.7% of respondents believe that AI positively impacts work efficiency, while 64.9% see benefits for student learning. However, only 34.9% expressed optimism about AI’s effects on employment opportunities, highlighting the need to address concerns about job displacement and ensure that the benefits of AI are shared equitably. This highlights the importance of investing in education and training programs to prepare workers for the jobs of the future and mitigate the negative impacts of automation.
The findings of the 2025 Global Public Digital Technology Perception Report provide valuable insights into the global perception of China’s digital innovation and its impact on various aspects of life. The report highlights the importance of international collaboration in fostering digital growth and addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies like AI. The insights provided in this report can help policymakers, businesses, and individuals make informed decisions about how to best leverage the potential of digital technology for the benefit of society.