China offering ten nations help to run their cyber-defenses and networks
China has begun talking to ten nations in the South Pacific with an offer to help them improve their network infrastructure, cyber security, digital forensics and other capabilities – all with the help of Chinese tech vendors.
Newswire Reuters broke the news of China’s ambitions after seeing a draft agreement that China’s foreign minister Wang Yi is reportedly tabling on a tour of Pacific nations this week and next.
The draft agreement proposes assistance with data governance, training local police, and mapping the marine environment. Supply of customs management applications, possible funding of data links to island nations, and cyber-security assistance are also reportedly on the table.
Australian foreign minister Penny Wong has acknowledged the reports and made a counteroffer of financial and development assistance with what she says is fewer strings attached.
That’s a nod to accusations that China practices what’s been labelled “debt trap diplomacy” whereby development assistance comes with repayment plans small nations may not be able to afford. Defaults lead to Chinese entities taking ownership of assets.
