ABSTRACT
Observers in the West and China perceive technical standard-setting as part of the emerging power competition over high technology. At first glance, this is counterintuitive because standardization follows an inclusionary rather than an exclusionary logic. This chapter confirms and substantiates the hypothesis that technical standardization turns into a field of power competition outlining different dimensions and mechanisms through which standard-setting turns into wider international influence. The paper further suggests seven proxies to measure China's growing impact on standard-setting and ends with a matrix of potential risks stemming from this development. The chapter draws on the study of statistical data, primary sources, and in-depth interviews.
