Foreign Affairs Authors Discuss China's AI Development for Military Edge Over US

Authors Sam Bresnick, Emmy Probasco, and Cole McFaul published an article in Foreign Affairs stating that China is focused on developing artificial intelligence to achieve military advantage over the United States. The piece highlights China's investments in AI as part of broader technological competition.

This development occurs amid global efforts to advance AI capabilities for defense purposes.

The authors note that Beijing's AI initiatives target areas such as autonomous systems and data processing for military applications. According to the article, these efforts aim to counter US technological superiority in warfare. The US has historically led in AI research, but China has increased funding and research output in recent years.

address this, the authors suggest that Washington scale its existing AI systems that provide battlefield advantages.

They emphasize the need for expanded deployment of AI in military operations. This includes integrating AI into decision-making, logistics, and weaponry to sustain operational effectiveness. The stakes involve national security for both countries, with AI potentially transforming modern warfare.

Affected parties include military personnel, defense contractors, and policymakers in the US and China. International alliances may also influence how AI technologies are shared or restricted.

on this competition traces to increased US-China tensions since the mid-2010s, including trade disputes and technology export controls.

The US government has implemented policies to limit AI technology transfers to China. Moving forward, both nations are likely to continue investing in AI research, with potential for diplomatic talks or further restrictions on technology sharing. The article does not specify timelines for these developments but underscores the urgency of maintaining technological parity.