February 17, 2025, Beijing - With the acceleration of global digital transformation, digital trade and cross - border data flow have become important engines driving world economic growth. However, this trend also brings new challenges, including data security, privacy protection, and the digital divide.   The Booming Development of Digital Trade   In recent years, the proportion of digital trade in global trade has been continuously rising. According to the latest data, the total global digital trade volume in 2024 has exceeded $10 trillion, accounting for nearly 30% of the total global trade volume. Digital services such as e - commerce, cloud computing, and big data analysis have become the main drivers of digital trade growth.   Opportunities of Cross - border Data Flow   Cross - border data flow provides global enterprises with broader markets and more business opportunities. Through the free flow of data, enterprises can better understand global market demands, optimize resource allocation, and improve operational efficiency. In addition, cross - border data flow also promotes international cooperation and innovation, driving the development of the global digital economy.   Challenges Faced   Although digital trade and cross - border data flow bring many opportunities, they are also accompanied by a series of challenges. Data security and privacy protection have become the focus of attention of governments and enterprises around the world. There are differences in data protection laws and regulations in different countries and regions, resulting in compliance risks for cross - border data flow. In addition, the digital divide still exists. Developing countries have a large gap compared with developed countries in terms of digital infrastructure construction and technical talent reserves.   International Cooperation and Policy Coordination   To address these challenges, the international community is strengthening cooperation and promoting the formulation of unified rules for digital trade and cross - border data flow. Many international organizations and countries have started dialogues and cooperation on issues such as data protection, cybersecurity, and digital taxation. For example, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) launched by the European Union has become a benchmark for global data protection, and many countries have followed suit to formulate similar regulations.   China's Role and Contribution   As a leader in the global digital economy, China plays an important role in the fields of digital trade and cross - border data flow. The Chinese government actively promotes the development of the digital economy, strengthens data security and privacy protection, and at the same time actively participates in international cooperation to promote the construction of an open, inclusive, and inclusive digital trade rule system. China's "Digital Silk Road" initiative also provides important support for global digital infrastructure construction.   Future Outlook   Looking ahead, digital trade and cross - border data flow will continue to profoundly affect the global economic landscape. Countries need to strengthen cooperation to jointly address challenges and promote the sustainable development of the digital economy. Only by ensuring data security and privacy protection can the potential of digital trade and cross - border data flow be fully realized, and common prosperity of the global economy can be achieved.   Conclusion   Digital trade and cross - border data flow are important parts of the globalization process. They bring unprecedented opportunities as well as new challenges. The international community needs to work together to formulate fair and reasonable rules to ensure the healthy development of the digital economy and inject new impetus into global economic growth.  

Recently, the numerous challenges confronting the global supply chain have come to the forefront of public attention.   An industry observation article released by DHL points out that there are five major risks in the global supply chain in 2025. Firstly, climate change poses a significant threat. In 2024, floods accounted for 70% of weather - related risks, and with the continuous rise in ocean temperatures, the majority of companies are expected to face more frequent disruptions or interruptions to their supply chains due to weather events. Secondly, the instability of international and regional situations brings risks. Tensions in the Middle East, the Russia - Ukraine conflict, and tariff hikes expose the global trade network and multiple industries to multiple geopolitical risks. Thirdly, the increase in cyber - crime also threatens the supply chain. In 2025, the greatest risk of cyber - attacks may come from secondary suppliers, and the entire logistics supply chain is under the threat of cyber - security. Additionally, restrictions on rare metals and minerals have become a major challenge. With growing demand but decreasing supply, coupled with new tariff policies and other factors, these commodities have become more expensive and difficult to obtain. Finally, the issue of strikes cannot be ignored. The growing calls for improving the working conditions of low - wage workers may affect the stable operation of the supply chain.   In the technology sector, the supply chain of NVIDIA's RTX 50 - series graphics cards is currently facing severe challenges. Due to the continuously surging global demand for semiconductors, NVIDIA is under immense supply - chain pressure. The already - launched RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 graphics cards are in short supply, and the planned mass production of the RTX 5070 in February and the RTX 5060 in March have had to be postponed.   As a crucial country in the global supply chain, China is also facing new challenges. With the enhancement of China's competitiveness in the supply chain, developed countries have launched trade and technology wars. At the same time, the manufacturing capabilities and supply - chain growth potential of developing countries are significant. The supply - chain diversification strategy has led international brands to disperse to other regions. China needs to actively participate in the construction of parallel supply chains to maintain its leading position.   Experts say that the interconnectedness of the global supply chain and the complexity of international trade are important factors contributing to these challenges. Enterprises and governments around the world need to work together to enhance the resilience and flexibility of the supply chain in response to the ever - changing global economic environment.