The uncertainties of cyberspace

Second, it's time to explore the possibility and methods needed to develop a code of conduct for big powers like China and the US to avoid the worst case scenario in which, according to digital strategist Dominic Basulto's blog, "the Internet gets shut down due to a completely random mishap, and we (the US) start launching missiles at China in retaliatory response".

All countries, including China and the US, have the right to use the latest technology, including IT, to strengthen their military. But, at the same time, they should realize that, compared with nuclear technology, IT has blurred the difference between matters military and non-military. IT has become so advanced and hackers are so adept that it is extremely difficult to determine the intent of a cyber attack and the place it is launched from. It is, therefore, important to build a code of conduct to limit the negative effects of a traditional cat-and-mouse game among countries in cyberspace.

Neither China nor the US will benefit by launching an attack that paralyzes the other's key information infrastructure, simply because we live in a world where all countries are part of one big network. Instead, we should work out a code of conduct that would make cyberspace safe and stable for all countries.

An ideal code of conduct would include setting up information exchange and communications regimes so that China and the US both could get vital information when they face a cyber-attack or suffer a setback.

And third, by building a collaborative infrastructure to govern cyberspace, China and the US can enhance their strategic relationship and better deal with the challenges mentioned above.

Thanks to the Cold War, the US and China are suspicious of each other, making it difficult for them to deepen bilateral strategic cooperation, especially military cooperation. But by cooperating on cyberspace governance they will get an opportunity to make their strategic intentions clear to each other and change their mutual perception. This will be of utmost importance when the origin of a cyber-attack on one is traced to the other country.

As former US president George W. Bush said, Sino-US relationship is complex, but it could become more complex in the future because of a misunderstanding over cyberspace. Hence, both countries will benefit from a well-governed global cyberspace, because they are already heavily dependent on it.

Cooperating to build an effective legal system to fight cyber-crime should be given priority to maintain a healthy cyberspace and build a new strategic foundation for Sino-US ties. Since no one can change the fact that all countries today are part of one big network, China and the US should find the best way to co-exist peacefully. Learning to collaborate on cyberspace governance will be an important first step to ensure a better and safer world.

The author is assistant professor at the School of International Relations and Public Affairs, Fudan University, Shanghai.

(China Daily 07/02/2011 page5)