China's Technical Standardization Power—a Challenge for NATO?

Abstract

Technical standardization has turned into a central subject of geopolitical contestation. At first glance, this might be surprising as technical standards follow an inclusive logic of action and are legally non-binding. However, China has adopted a state-centric approach to standardization that stands in sharp contrast to the private actor driving practice in the West. This allows China to link its standardization efforts not least to its security interests. In fact, standards are not only relevant to ensure the convergence of defense technology. Standards can also unfold security relevance if they create lock-in dependencies and prevent or enable the globalization of backdoors. NATO could react to China's growing standardization power by establishing an information exchange platform, avoid excessive politicization of standard-setting and make sure not to overestimate the risks.