Abstract:
China has long been recognized as a powerhouse in cultivating Big Tech firms, emerging as a formidable rival to the United States in the digital era. However, recent developments have marked a dramatic shift. The Chinese government has embarked on a massive regulatory crackdown, targeting its largest tech corporations such as Alibaba, Tencent, and Meituan. Many Western experts have perceived China’s tech crackdown as the government’s assault on private businesses, causing growing doubts among investors whether Chinese firms are still investable.
In this talk, Professor Zhang took us beyond the headlines to unravel the dynamic complexity of China’s regulatory governance. Drawing insights from her newly released book, “High Wire: How China Regulates Big Tech and Governs Its Economy,” she introduced the dynamic pyramid model of regulation, an analytical framework that demystifies Chinese regulatory governance. She examined the impact of the tech crackdown on the administrative state, the competitive landscape, and global tech rivalry. She also peered into the future of China’s tech governance by examining the country’s strategy to regulate generative artificial intelligence. Join Professor Zhang as she uncovers how China regulates on the high wire by navigating the intricate balance between innovation, regulation and geopolitical contest.
Angela Zhang is the author of "Chinese Antitrust Exceptionalism: How the Rise of China Challenges Global Regulation" (Oxford, 2021) (named one of the Best Political Economy Books of 2021 by ProMarket). Angela's second book, "High Wire: How China Regulates Big Tech and Governs Its Economy," was released by Oxford University Press in March 2024. In fall 2024, Angela will join the University of Southern California as a Professor of Law.
About the Speaker
Widely recognized as a leading authority on Chinese tech regulation, Angela has written extensively on this topic. She is the author of Chinese Antitrust Exceptionalism: How the Rise of China Challenges Global Regulation published by the Oxford University Press in 2021. The book was named one of the Best Political Economy Books of the Year by ProMarket in 2021. Angela's second book "High Wire: How China Regulates Big Tech and Governs Its Economy" is expected to be released by the Oxford University Press in early 2024. Angela is currently doing research on the regulation of artificial intelligence, with plans to teach and write on this topic in the coming years. Angela will join the University of Southern California as a Professor of Law in fall 2024.