US Needs to Prioritize Digital Trade in Indo-Pacific: ITI

As part of its increased economic initiatives in the Indo-Pacific, the Biden administration “should pursue agreements with binding commitments on digital trade,” while recognizing the region’s significance as “a hub of vital economic trade partners and a rule-maker in its own right,” blogged Michaela Wong, Information Technology Industry Council senior policy manager-Asia. “A more traditional digital trade agreement would enable the U.S. to secure those binding commitments, while serving as one of the most effective foreign policy tools for the administration to balance against China’s economic, diplomatic, and strategic influence,” said Wong Monday. “If the U.S. continues to lurk around the edges without initiating negotiations and enshrining strong digital trade norms, Beijing will certainly fill the void in discussions on trade, investment, and digital infrastructure.”