From the Great Wall to the Great Firewall: A Historical Analysis of Surveillance

This article delves into the historical development of surveillance practices in China, tracing their roots from the construction of the Great Wall to the contemporary cyber surveillance system known as the Great Firewall. The study explores the strategic importance of the Great Wall as an early warning system and its significance in shaping China's modern national security strategies. Additionally, the article examines the evolution of surveillance techniques throughout China's dynastic history, the impact of Western influences, and the emergence of a modern surveillance state under the People's Republic of China. The analysis then shifts its focus to the development, implementation, and objectives of the Great Firewall, highlighting its role in both domestic control and international cyber warfare. Lastly, the article addresses the ethical debates surrounding surveillance and privacy in China, along with the future implications of emerging technologies and trends in the country's national security strategy. Through this historical lens, the article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of China's long-standing relationship with surveillance and its crucial role in national security, while also shedding light on potential future developments and global implications. Keywords: Chinese national security, Cyber surveillance, Cyber surveillance, Great Wall of China, History of surveillance in China.