The race for artificial intelligence supremacy between the United States and China is increasingly extending beyond technology and into the realms of national security and military power, raising concerns over the future use of AI in warfare.
Victor Gao, vice-president of the Centre for China and Globalisation, has warned that Beijing will oppose any attempt by a single country to establish dominance over artificial intelligence. Speaking at the Penang Peace Dialogue in Malaysia, Gao accused the United States of pushing AI towards military applications and cautioned against what he described as “AI for evil”.
According to the South China Morning Post, Gao alleged that Washington was “weaponising and militarising AI”, incorporating the technology into systems ranging from drones and ballistic missiles to everyday software and hardware.
“China will never allow any country in this world to achieve AI dominance,” Gao said, while stressing that Beijing would continue strengthening its own capabilities in the field.
Gao also highlighted China’s emphasis on open-source AI as a potential counterweight to what he characterised as efforts towards US-led technological dominance. He further linked the AI rivalry to China’s control over rare-earth minerals, arguing that Beijing’s position in critical mineral supply chains could affect Washington’s ability to convert technological advances into military capabilities.
AI race moves towards warfare
Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming an important component of modern military planning. Armed forces can use AI to process enormous volumes of battlefield data, identify potential threats, assist commanders and speed up decision-making.
AI systems can analyse information collected from satellites, drones, sensors and other intelligence platforms far faster than humans, helping militaries build near-real-time assessments of battlefield conditions.
The technology is also being integrated into autonomous and unmanned platforms, allowing drones and robotic systems to conduct surveillance and reconnaissance with reduced human intervention.
The US military is developing AI applications for battle management, intelligence analysis and decision support, while also seeking to accelerate the “kill chain” — the process of detecting, identifying and engaging a target.
AI-powered simulations are another growing area, allowing militaries to test strategies, model potential conflicts and prepare troops for a range of battlefield scenarios.
AI expands beyond the battlefield
The military impact of AI is not limited to weapons and combat operations. The technology can also improve logistics and military readiness by predicting equipment failures, optimising supply chains and identifying maintenance needs before they disrupt operations.
AI can support cybersecurity and information operations as well, helping detect unusual digital activity and analyse enormous quantities of data.
Together, these capabilities could allow militaries to process intelligence faster, reduce response times and coordinate operations across land, sea, air, space and cyberspace.
As AI becomes increasingly intertwined with defence and national security, the technology is emerging as a new front in the broader US-China strategic rivalry. The competition is no longer simply about who develops the most advanced AI systems, but increasingly about who can translate those capabilities into economic, technological and military power.
