US-China Cyber Security Warfare: Implications on Pakistan (2018-2024)

Abstract

The United States-China cyber rivalry viewed as a new reality not only in terms of global security, but also with regard to the role that technological competition assumes in the world system, and which has critical importance in regard to countries like Pakistan. Geographically located in a strategic position, Pakistan is faced with two dilemmas: threats of cyberattacks directed at its national critical infrastructure facilities and hopes of growth in technological capabilities with the assistance of both superpowers. This perspective looks at these dynamics from the offensive and defensive realist respectively in order to provide context on the cybersecurity capacities and strategies available to Pakistan. Cyber warfare, particularly AI-driven applications such as ransomware and cyber-espionage are analyzed for their consequences on Pakistan’s current security and future expectations of cyber incidents, particularly with respect to the Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The focus of this research emphasizes that Pakistan strives to maintain her strategic neutral status, pursued advancements in cybersecurity regulations, and developed local technology to assert its sovereignty and maximize the chances of progress. With the analysis of cyber policies, the focus of the study is on how national policies should help maintain security with changing cyber threats. The results will be useful in devising strategies in a diversity of areas required for such developing countries to deal with the global cyber competition of the digital era.