Smart ports in the 5G era: US–China technological competition, governance challenges, and Taiwan’s strategic responsejia

Jia-Ying Lyu ()
Additional contact information
Jia-Ying Lyu: Shu-Te University

Journal of Transportation Security, 2025, vol. 18, issue 1, No 20, 16 pages

Abstract: Abstract This study examines the transformation of maritime logistics through the integration of fifth-generation (5G) communications and related digital technologies, situating China’s rapid deployment of “smart port” initiatives within a broader context of US–China strategic rivalry. By analysing policy frameworks, infrastructure investments, and governance models in the Tianjin Smart Port case, the research highlights the dual imperatives of operational efficiency and national security that drive state-led versus market-oriented development paradigms. A comparative literature review of European, American, and Chinese smart-port implementations reveals gaps in existing governance structures, particularly regarding data sovereignty, supply-chain resilience, and cross-border interoperability. Drawing on institutional theory and supply-chain resilience scholarship, the study proposes a novel, integrated analytical framework that accounts for geopolitical dynamics, technological standards competition, and public-private coordination. Finally, it assesses Taiwan’s unique strategic position, offering policy recommendations to enhance its smart-port competitiveness, safeguard data assets, and strengthen interagency coordination. The findings underscore the need for a balanced approach that combines technological innovation with robust legal safeguards and multilateral cooperation to navigate the evolving landscape of smart-port development.

Keywords: Smart ports; 5G communications; US–China technology competition; Data governance; Supply-chain resilience; Taiwan strategy; Public-private coordination; Maritime digitalization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s12198-025-00313-y Abstract (text/html)
Access to the full text of the articles in this series is restricted.

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:jtrsec:v:18:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s12198-025-00313-y

Ordering information: This journal article can be ordered from
http://www.springer.com/journal/12198

DOI: 10.1007/s12198-025-00313-y

Access Statistics for this article

Journal of Transportation Security is currently edited by Andrew Thomas

More articles in Journal of Transportation Security from Springer
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Sonal Shukla () and Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing ().