A Comparative Study on Digital Trade Rules in an Era of Globalization—Take European Union, US and China as an Example
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54097/4y6dfh92Keywords:
Digital trade rules, digital economy cooperation, security protection, dispute settlement.Abstract
In an era of globalization and digitalization, global digital trade is booming. But issues have also emerged, including those on cross-border digital supervision and international dispute settlement mechanisms. And the international rules on these issues are fragmental. With this background, this essay, comparing theoretical essays and legal texts from the European Union, US and China, intends to offer suggestions for China to engage with the construction of a unified set of global digital trade rule. By using the comparative study and legal text analysis, the essay targets finding out the improving direction for the existing deficiencies of Chinese digital rule design, from the aspect of digital economy cooperation, security protection and dispute settlement mechanisms. This essay concludes that China should not only construct the digital trade rules with Chinese characteristics, but also strengthen its international economic and security cooperation, with the respect for other regions to balance its pursuit for both the security and opening up. In terms of dispute settlement, China also needs to strengthen the supervision and absorb wisdom and learn lessons of the European Union (EU), US and China. While supporting the World Trade Organization (WTO), China also needs to reform its flaws and explore the better Alternatives.
Downloads
References
[1] Zhao Jun, & Zhai Shuaiyu. The logical framework of the international rule system for the "Digital Silk Road": Learning from the substantive practice of the "Belt and Road Initiative". Journal of Business Economics, 2022, (07): 56 - 69.
[2] Liu Bin, & Cui Ningning. Digital trade rules and China’s institutional opening-up: Future orientation and practical approaches. Studies on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics, 2022, (02): 31 - 41.
[3] Mei Ao, & Zhu Jiawei. New developments in international digital trade rules and China’s responses under the background of institutional opening-up. Economist, 2025, (02): 87 - 95.
[4] Brussels. It is time for the EU to rethink its digital trade policy and fully protect consumers’ digital rights. BEUC, 2023.
[5] Mamasoliev, S. Global supply chain resilience: implications for us trade policy and national security. American journal of education and learning, 2024, 2 (4): 525 - 535.
[6] Ruiz Estrada, M. A. Openness Trade or Closedness Trade which is the Best Choice for the US? Available at SSRN 5227107, 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5227107
[7] Jütten, M. The EU's digital trade policy. European Parliamentary Research Service, 2024.
[8] Burri, M. Towards a New Treaty on Digital Trade. Journal of World Trade, 2021, 55 (1): 77 - 100. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54648/TRAD2021003
[9] Namysłowska M. The Silent Death of EU Consumer Law and Its Resilient Revival: Reinventing Consumer Protection Against Unfair Digital Commercial Practices. Journal of Consumer Policy, 2025: 1 - 20. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10603-025-09590-5
[10] Zhang Xiaojun, & Hou Jiao. Digital trade rules: The "US model" and the construction strategy of the "China-ASEAN plan". Academic Forum, 2022, 45 (04): 83 - 92.
[11] Joseph R. Biden Jr., & Order, E. 13694. Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Significant Malicious Cyber-Enabled Activities. Federal Register, 2025.
[12] Pendell, G. Managing disputes in a digital trade transaction environment. CMS, 2023.
[13] Husovec, M. Certification of Out-of-court Dispute Settlement Bodies under the Digital Services Act. Available at SSRN 4501726, 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4501726
[14] Harrison, R., Shipp, J., & Curtis, A. Settling DSA-related Disputes Outside the Courtroom: The Opportunities and Challenges Presented by Article 21 of the Digital Services Act. Available at SSRN 4787648, 2024. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4787648
[15] Mueller, Alex. One step forward, two steps back: the united states' new direction on digital trade. Minnesota Journal of Law, Science and Technology, 2024, 26 (1): 116 - 204. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5028333
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Highlights in Business, Economics and Management

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.







