China’s Social Credit System in 2021

2020 marked the conclusion of a key construction phase of China’s Social Credit System, a cornerstone of Xi Jinping’s grand vision for data-based governance. To date, the system has evolved into a highly flexible tool, allowing Chinese authorities to rapidly employ it to address new societal issues. At the same time, its flexibility has brought about significant fragmentation. This poses risks for companies and individuals alike, ranging from legal uncertainty to inconsistent, highly localized implementation and lack of data sharing.

The authors Katja Drinhausen, Senior Analyst, and Vincent Brussee, Associate Analyst, will introduced their main findings. The presentation was followed by a Q&A. The invitation only online event was moderated by Claudia Wessling, Director Communications and Publications at MERICS.