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Author	Ms Cheng Rui
Organisation/Institution	Zhejiang University Guanghua Law School
Country	CHINA
Panel	International Law
Title	Compliance Challenges and Pathways for Cross-Border Data Flows between China and ASEAN under the RCEP Framework
Abstract	With the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), new opportunities and challenges arise for cross-border data flows between China and ASEAN countries. The diversity of data governance frameworks among RCEP member states presents complex compliance issues, especially in areas such as data localization, transfer consent requirements, and security standards. Most studies focus on data localization regulations of ASEAN countries, often overlooking the need to develop data flow levels between themselves as densely populated regions and China. This paper examines the regulatory challenges under RCEP, highlighting how China and ASEAN countries navigate their distinct data protection laws within this framework to achieve mutual development and benefits in the field of digital economy. This paper conducts socio-legal research to analyze legal text and police to investigate why and how it will evolve in the future and employs comparative legal research to explore what could be applied under the RCEP framework from existing agreements. This study explores pathways for regulatory convergence and mutual recognition of data protection standards. Particular emphasis is placed on how these developments impact micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which play a vital role in the digital economy in the relationship between ASEAN countries and China but often struggle with compliance burdens. This paper concludes with recommendations for policymakers to foster a cooperative approach to data governance, which could reduce trade barriers and facilitate cross-border data flow and integration under the RCEP framework.
Biography	I am currently a PhD candidate in international law at Zhejiang University Guanghua Law School. I specialize in areas such as cross-border data flow, compliance challenges under international data law, and WTO dispute settlement mechanisms. My recent research focuses on the legal complexities of cross-border data governance between different countries, especially for the compliance challenges of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises(MSMEs). I have authored several publications and have presented at academic conferences. I hold a strong interest in exploring how international regulatory frameworks can support sustainable digital growth and facilitate economic integration and then contribute to the international regulations in the field of cross-border data flow.