China's ambitious push for tech sovereignty is impressive—but according to global risk governance scholar Louis Pauly, it can't go solo. 🤝 At the Beijing Forum, Pauly told CGTN that the Chinese mainland's 15th Five-Year Plan should mix self-reliance with international 'insurance' to tackle today's cross-border tech and climate risks.
He explained that modern insurance started centuries ago—think merchants on ancient Silk Road ships hedging against storms—and has evolved into a global safety net. Today, that 'insuring instinct' is vital for challenges like generative AI, climate change 🌱, and biodiversity loss.
Pauly drew a contrast: in 1931, narrow self-reliance fueled a market crash and deep depression. But in 2008, quick global coordination (with China playing a key role) stopped a total meltdown. His takeaway? Competition and cooperation must go hand in hand. 🏁🌍
'Protection now has to be global,' Pauly said, urging policymakers to learn from insurance history for practical, non-political collaboration. The goal: a solid backup system that balances tech sovereignty with shared security, ensuring prosperity for us all—whether you're coding in Bangalore, gaming in Jakarta, or innovating in Shenzhen. 💻✨
Reference(s):
Expert: China should balance tech sovereignty with global 'insurance'
cgtn.com
