Europe and East Asia: Cooperation and Competition in Digital Technologies and Security
Angelo Valerio Toma argues that the EU’s digital engagement with East Asia reflects a deliberate strategy to shape global norms, expand influence, and promote technological cooperation.
Europe and East Asia stand at a critical juncture in their digital relationship. The rapid advancement of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), 5G networks, and cybersecurity tools is reshaping the global economic and security order. For the European Union (EU) and key East Asian partners—including Japan, South Korea, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)—this transformation presents both immense opportunities and strategic challenges. The evolving dynamics of digital cooperation and competition will shape not only regional outcomes but also broader global governance frameworks.
The EU’s Digital Ambitions in the Asia-Pacific
The EU does not merely react to global digital trends—it increasingly seeks to proactively shape the international digital order. Its Digital Strategy for 2030 and Asia-Pacific digital engagement plan position the region as central to advancing European digital interests, global standards, and open, inclusive technologies. The EU aims to strengthen digital connectivity, promote interoperability of data and AI governance, and invest in emerging technologies such as quantum computing.
Through Asia-Europe Foundation platforms and cooperative projects, the EU emphasizes multilateral engagement, policy alignment, and research collaboration. These efforts support not only sustainable development but also strategic influence through digital norms—allowing the EU to assert itself as a normative power in contrast to more state-centric models. Capacity-building efforts in digital education, cybersecurity, and governance across the Asia-Pacific region further reinforce this proactive approach.
Strategic Partners: Japan and South Korea
Japan and South Korea are among the EU’s closest digital allies in East Asia. Japan’s Digital Agency, created to accelerate domestic digital transformation, benchmarks international standards and actively collaborates on AI ethics, data privacy, and transparent governance. Japan’s democratic institutions and commitment to human-centric innovation make it a key interlocutor for the EU’s value-driven digital diplomacy.
South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT pursues similar objectives, especially in AI development, 5G expansion, and cybersecurity frameworks. With a strong private tech sector and forward-looking regulation, South Korea offers the EU a reliable partner in building resilient digital infrastructures and governance systems. These partnerships are not only bilateral; they also serve as building blocks for a broader coalition supporting shared digital standards.
ASEAN’s Digital Ambitions and Complex Realities
ASEAN’s Digital Masterplan 2025 outlines ambitious targets for digital integration, including unified data governance, e-commerce, and cybersecurity coordination. Recognizing ASEAN as a rapidly growing digital economy, the EU views it as a crucial partner for achieving regional connectivity and digital inclusiveness.
However, ASEAN’s diverse political systems and uneven digital capacities create a complex landscape. The EU’s cooperation must therefore navigate regulatory fragmentation and tailor engagement to national contexts—seeking compatibility over uniformity. This reflects Europe’s nuanced understanding of digital multilateralism: supporting shared principles without imposing rigid models.
The geopolitical backdrop complicates these efforts. China’s expanding Digital Silk Road offers Southeast Asian countries access to advanced infrastructure and AI tools. Yet, Beijing promotes governance models that emphasize centralized digital governance and state-led innovation, which contrast with Europe’s emphasis on transparency and accountability. This places ASEAN in a delicate position between competing frameworks.
Navigating the Shadow of China’s Digital Expansion
China’s growing technological footprint presents a systemic challenge to the EU’s vision for an open and rules-based digital world. The Digital Silk Road facilitates infrastructure development and AI-enabled governance, reinforcing a model of digital sovereignty grounded in state control.
The broader US-China technology rivalry adds another layer of complexity. The EU, committed to strategic autonomy, prefers digital hedging over alignment—engaging with China in select areas such as standard-setting and climate tech, while deepening alignment with democratic partners. This balanced approach allows Europe to protect its normative agenda without escalating geopolitical fragmentation.
Digital Security: A Shared Priority
Cybersecurity, misinformation, and infrastructure resilience have become core concerns in EU-East Asia digital relations. The EU’s Indo-Pacific Strategy elevates digital security as a foundation for robust and future-proof partnerships.
Multilateral platforms such as the International Telecommunication Union and the AI Governance Alliance offer forums to align standards and foster trust. But achieving convergence remains a challenge, especially when digital governance capacities vary widely. Europe can play a convening role, offering technical expertise and regulatory experience to elevate regional coordination.
For both Europe and East Asia, digital security is more than a technical concern—it is a matter of sovereignty, stability, and democratic resilience.
Conclusion: Toward a Balanced Digital Partnership
The EU’s digital engagement with East Asia reflects a deliberate strategy to shape global norms, expand influence, and promote technological cooperation rooted in democratic values. By partnering with Japan, South Korea, and ASEAN, Europe moves beyond reactive diplomacy toward a forward-looking, principle-based digital order.
At the same time, the competitive presence of China and the systemic rivalry it represents underscore the geopolitical stakes of digital transformation. The EU’s success will depend on its ability to engage flexibly—adapting to regional diversity while reinforcing common principles of openness, trust, and accountability.
The future of Europe–East Asia relations will be defined by how effectively both sides manage this delicate balance of collaboration and competition in the digital age.
Angelo Valerio Toma is a writer and researcher specializing in international relations, digital sovereignty, and emerging technologies. He holds certifications in international law, cybersecurity, and environmental governance from UN and EU institutions. Angelo has contributed to Geopolitical Monitor and Eurasia Review, focusing on Africa’s evolving digital landscape and its global implications.
Photo by panumas nikhomkhai
