DIGITAL ECONOMY AND CYBERSECURITY ANALYSIS WITH A FOCUS ON CHINA AND SLOVENIA

Abstract

This paper explores the evolving landscape of digital economy cooperation between China and the Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs), set against the backdrop of the China-CEEC Cooperation Initiative and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). It highlights the untapped potential for digital economy projects, despite the absence of major projects under the BRI framework, and underscores China's strategic shift towards exploring new areas of collaboration, including the digital economy, artificial intelligence, financial technology, life sciences, and environmental protection. The paper delves into the rapid development of the digital economy, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on how both China and the CEECs are strengthening their digital economies to overcome current challenges and foster future growth. It examines China's commitment to digital economy expansion, digital governance, and international cooperation, including initiatives such as the "Global Initiative on Data Security" and the application to join the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA). Additionally, the paper considers the digital economy in Slovenia, highlighting its strategic commitment to digitalization, cybersecurity efforts, and its role within the broader digital transformation landscape in Europe. Through this analysis, the paper aims to provide insights into the opportunities and challenges of China-CEEC digital economy cooperation, offering recommendations for fostering effective collaboration and advancing mutual benefits in the digital era.