In recent years, the global geopolitical landscape has been significantly influenced by nations asserting dominance in key sectors, including finance, intellectual property, and military industries. This ascendancy allows states to dictate terms and wield substantial impact on the world order. In particular, China has emerged as a pivotal player, strategically utilizing innovation and economic prowess to reshape international relations. This research examines China’s role in redefining global power dynamics, particularly within Africa, while evaluating the effectiveness and criticisms of its “soft power” strategies. China’s robust presence in critical sectors such as finance, intellectual property, and military industries underscores the correlation between leadership in these domains and global influence. The country’s economic and technological prowess has positioned it as a formidable player, enabling it to exert significant control over international rules and norms. The ramifications of such dominance transcend mere economic power, influencing diplomatic relations and shaping the international order.

The study aims to analyse data security in the financial and banking sector of China. The data laws provide a ‘consent-oriented’ approach where consent, along with a limited list of exceptions, is the legal basis for the processing of personal information. The personal data protection mechanism comprised the Data Security Law, the Cybersecurity Law, and the Personal Information Protection Law. Taken together, they cover all areas of information security and establish a severe data protection regime: they determine the scope of regulation, objects and subjects, responsibility, and institutional control mechanisms. For an accurate assessment, it is necessary to wait for the adoption of by-laws that specify the provisions of these laws. The financial and banking sector already has several by-laws in place that set stringent standards for the security of personal information. The leading role in this mechanism is taken by the financial regulator - the People’s Bank of China.