The Sino-American Meta-Relationship: Harmonizing Digital Development in the Indo-Pacific Region?

In terms of connectivity strategy, Indo-Pacific has become a strategic geopolitical arena for great power rivalry. With a rapidly growing economy, the region lacks digital connectivity infrastructure. Addressing this issue, China also developed the Digital Silk Road as part of their grand strategy, the Belt and Road Initiative. On the other side, the United States and G7 countries are also repackaging Build Back Better World into the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment. Against this backdrop, this article examines the implications of the relationship between the United States and China in the Indo-Pacific region, especially in terms of digital infrastructure. Qin’s relational theory is utilized as a theoretical framework. This article applies a qualitative approach with secondary data. As the relationship between the United States and China evolved into a meta-relationship, they exhibited distinct characteristics. However, these differences also create opportunities for Indo-Pacific countries to advance their digital technology development.