China’s push to integrate civilian innovation into its military-industrial complex has gained fresh momentum, with a prominent geopolitical expert advocating for a Silicon Valley-inspired approach to defence technology. Gu Jianyi, a researcher at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and advisor to key Chinese ministries, argues that China can learn from the United States by fostering a new industrial ecosystem that bridges civilian and military innovation.
In an article published on the WeChat account of Qiyuan Defence Technology, Gu highlights the success of US firms like SpaceX, Palantir, and Anduril, which have leveraged civilian advancements to revolutionise military capabilities. He suggests that China could follow a similar path, leveraging the expertise of domestic tech giants such as Huawei, DeepSeek, and Tencent to enhance its defence sector.
“If the technological reserves and innovation potential of these enterprises in the civilian sector can be fully unleashed, and their technologies and products systematically channelled into weapons and equipment development and production, it will inject revolutionary momentum into China’s equipment development,” Gu said.
Gu’s proposal underscores the potential for civil-military fusion—a policy China has pursued for years—to accelerate technological progress. However, he acknowledges that institutional barriers remain, preventing private and commercial enterprises from fully contributing to national defence. Breaking down these barriers, he argues, could unlock new opportunities for innovation and collaboration.
The call for deeper civil-military integration comes at a time when China is increasingly focused on strengthening its military-industrial base. By drawing on the agility, software-centric design, and rapid development cycles of civilian tech firms, China could enhance its ability to respond to emerging threats and maintain a competitive edge in defence technology.
Gu’s insights reflect a broader global trend where defence sectors are increasingly turning to civilian innovation to drive progress. The US, in particular, has demonstrated how private sector agility can translate into military advantage, a model that China appears eager to emulate.
As China continues to refine its approach to civil-military fusion, the lessons from Silicon Valley could prove invaluable. By fostering a more dynamic and collaborative defence ecosystem, China may not only enhance its military capabilities but also position itself as a leader in next-generation defence technology.