China’s digital expansion in the Global South: Systematic literature review and future research agenda

Heeks, Richard; Ospina, Angelica V.; Foster, Christopher; Gao, Ping; Han, Xia; Jepson, Nicholas; Schindler, Seth; Zhou, Qingna

doi:10.1080/01972243.2024.2315875

Cited by 6 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 45 publications

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“…Companies such as Huawei and ZTE actively contribute to the development of mobile and internet networks in Eurasia and Africa. Despite the potential benefits of digital transformation, these initiatives also raise questions about cybersecurity and data control (Heeks, et al, 2024). Controlling ports at key points on global trade routes is an important element of Chinaʼs geo-economic strategy.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

China’s experience of infrastructure megaprojects in Eurasia and Africa: Successes and contradictions

Staiian

2024

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The research relevance is determined by the unprecedented scale of Chinese infrastructure initiatives, their potential impact on regional development and the geopolitical balance of power, as well as the controversial nature of their socio-economic and environmental consequences in the context of current global transformations. The study aims to provide a critical analysis of the successes and contradictions of Chinaʼs infrastructure initiatives. Synthesis, comparative analysis, critical analysis, modelling, structural-functional and systematisation methods were used in the study. The results of the study demonstrate the significant potential of Chinese infrastructure megaprojects to stimulate economic growth, and infrastructure development and deepen regional integration in Eurasia and Africa. However, despite the declared benefits, these initiatives are characterised by several contradictions and challenges. Large-scale Chinese investments carry risks of debt dependence for recipient countries, as they are often provided on non-transparent and unfavourable terms. In addition, the implementation of megaprojects is accompanied by high corruption risks, a lack of proper accountability mechanisms, and limited involvement of local resources and companies. This minimises potential economic benefits for the countries involved and hinders technology transfer and local capacity development. Chinese infrastructure projects are also often associated with negative social and environmental impacts, such as forced resettlement of communities, ecosystem degradation, and pollution. To overcome these contradictions, recommendations have been developed to introduce mechanisms for transparency, accountability, active involvement of local companies and ensuring a fair distribution of economic benefits among all stakeholders. The practical significance of the study lies in the development of recommendations for optimising Chinese infrastructure megaprojects, given the interests of the participating countries, which can be used to improve cooperation strategies with China and ensure the sustainability, mutual benefit and inclusiveness of these initiatives

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

China’s experience of infrastructure megaprojects in Eurasia and Africa: Successes and contradictions

Staiian

2024

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Can new-type infrastructure lead to regional green well-being? Evidence from China

Wen,

Shang,

Nghiem

2025

Journal of Environmental Management

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Beyond geopolitics: Agency and modularity in mobile telecommunications in Kazakhstan

Baldakova,

Oreglia

2024

Telecommunications Policy

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China’s digital expansion in the Global South: Systematic literature review and future research agenda

Cited by 6 publications

References 45 publications

China’s experience of infrastructure megaprojects in Eurasia and Africa: Successes and contradictions

China’s experience of infrastructure megaprojects in Eurasia and Africa: Successes and contradictions

Can new-type infrastructure lead to regional green well-being? Evidence from China

Beyond geopolitics: Agency and modularity in mobile telecommunications in Kazakhstan

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