ISS-新冠疫情下中国的智慧城市野心（英文）-2020.5-8页_3mb

Summary of "TOWARDS URBAN DECOUPLING?"

Core Content

This document explores the rapid development of China's smart city initiatives in the context of the global impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. It highlights how the crisis has accelerated the testing and deployment of smart city technologies, particularly those with surveillance and security functions, and how these developments are shaping China's global influence in urban governance.

Main Points

• Smart City Definition and Strategy:
  A "smart city" involves the use of technology to enhance urban infrastructure and services, including energy, transport, and security. China has made this a national priority, with President Xi Jinping endorsing the concept in 2015 and it being explicitly mentioned in the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020). The government has promoted the development of smart cities through various bilateral and regional frameworks, including the Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) and its Digital Silk Road.

• Covid-19 as a Catalyst:
  The pandemic has acted as a catalyst for the testing and improvement of smart city technologies. These include AI surveillance cameras, drones, tracking apps, and QR codes. The Chinese government has also donated and exported these technologies to other countries, positioning itself as a global provider of anti-epidemic solutions.

• Smart City as a Security Tool:
  China's smart city model is closely linked to its "safe city" concept, which focuses on surveillance and control. The government has integrated traditional human surveillance with technological surveillance to create a dense urban monitoring grid. This system is used not only for public safety but also for predictive policing and social management, including the social credit system.

• Technological Decoupling:
  The document suggests that the Covid-19 crisis and US-China technological tensions may lead to urban decoupling – the emergence of diverging urban governance models. The 5G and big data technologies are key components of smart cities, and the US has imposed restrictions on Chinese companies like Huawei, Hikvision, and Dahua, citing security concerns and human rights issues.

• China's Global Ambitions:
  Chinese tech companies are actively promoting their smart city expertise abroad, especially in developing countries, through training programs and bilateral cooperation. These programs are framed as a reference for urban planning and aim to position China as a global leader in smart city development.

• European Response:
  The document emphasizes the normative and geopolitical challenges that China's smart city model poses to Europe. It warns that Europe risks leaving the security dimension of smart cities to authoritarian regimes. Europe is urged to develop its own smart city model that aligns with its values and regulations, to remain competitive and safe in the global market.

Key Information

• Technologies Used:

  • AI-enabled surveillance cameras
  • Drones with temperature sensors and disinfecting functions
  • Tracking apps and QR codes for health data
  • Facial recognition systems
  • Smart lighting and mobility solutions

• China's Export Efforts:

  • Huawei, Dahua, and DJI have been active in exporting anti-epidemic technologies to countries like Kenya, Pakistan, Lebanon, Thailand, Spain, Italy, and the Philippines.
  • China has signed 73 "safe city" agreements with 52 countries by the end of 2019.

• Economic and Technological Strategy:

  • The 14th Five-Year Plan is expected to further emphasize technological infrastructure such as 5G, big data, and AI.
  • The Covid-19 stimulus package includes "new infrastructure" investments, which are critical for the development of smart cities.

• Training Programs:

  • China offers training programs for foreign officials and engineers, promoting its smart city model as a blueprint for developing countries.
  • These programs include data collection, social credit system, and ethnic policies.

• Geopolitical Implications:

  • The US-China tech rivalry is likely to extend to other smart city technologies, potentially leading to technological decoupling.
  • European cities may face pressure to adopt Chinese smart city solutions, which could compromise their data sovereignty and security.

Conclusion

China's smart city development is becoming a strategic tool for both domestic control and international influence. The Covid-19 crisis has highlighted the surveillance capabilities of these systems and their potential for dual use (health and security). For Europe, the challenge lies in balancing economic interests with democratic values and data protection. The document urges Europe to shape its own smart city model to remain competitive and strategically autonomous in the face of growing Chinese influence.