Although studies have shown China’s growing influence on developing countries’ policies, little empirical work has considered the relationship between Chinese overseas foreign direct investment (FDI) and host countries’ online digital freedom. Considering as many as 112 developing countries from 2003 to 2019, and using a two-stage least squares selection modeling approach, we find an association between Chinese FDI and four types of limits on online digital freedom. Conversely, when we substitute global FDI (excluding Chinese FDI), we obtain different results, suggesting there is something unique about Chinese multinational corporations and online digital freedom. Our research indicates that China and host states’ domestic leaders mutually benefit by restricting online digital freedom.
Chinese Overseas Foreign Direct Investment and Online Digital Freedom in Developing Countries
Lance Hunter is a Professor of International Relations in the Department of Social Sciences and the Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies program at Augusta University, GA, USA. His work has appeared in journals including International Studies Quarterly, Journal of Conflict Research, Journal of Peace Research, and Terrorism and Political Violence.
Glen Biglaiser is a Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of North Texas, Denton, USA. He is the author or co-author of books for University of Notre Dame and University of Michigan Press and has published articles in journals including Comparative Political Studies, International Organization, and the Journal of Politics.
Kelan (Lilly) Lu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of South Carolina, Columbia, USA. She is author of a book for the University of Michigan Press and has published articles in journals including Foreign Policy Analysis, Studies in Comparative International Development, and the Journal of Politics.
Lance Y. Hunter, Glen Biglaiser, Kelan (Lilly) Lu; Chinese Overseas Foreign Direct Investment and Online Digital Freedom in Developing Countries. Asian Survey 1 October 2024; 64 (5): 812–841. doi: https://doi.org/10.1525/as.2024.2134388
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