The Externalization of China's Technical Standardization Approach

ABSTRACT International technical standardization has always been shaped by the externalization of the domestic standard systems of the most technologically advanced countries. China's growing technological footprint is no exception, and it has the potential to significantly reshape international technical standard setting. In contrast particularly to European standardization, which is realized through coordinated private self‐regulation, China has adopted a state‐centric approach. Based on the international and comparative political economy literature on China's global externalization, and through research on technical standardization, this article investigates 5G standard setting within formal international standard‐developing organizations and de facto standardization of railways within the Belt and Road Initiative. By triangulating data from interviews, policy documents and other primary and secondary sources, the article systematically analyses China's standardization practices, which also affords insight into the implications for international standardization.