China’s military and defence industry are accelerating their adoption of artificial intelligence, with a particular focus on autonomous systems and battlefield decision support. A review of research papers, patents, and procurement records reveals a concerted effort by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and state-owned defence companies to integrate AI into next-generation military capabilities.
The PLA’s growing reliance on AI is evident in its preference for DeepSeek AI models, which have been referenced in a dozen tenders filed this year. This trend underscores China’s push for “algorithmic sovereignty,” reducing dependence on Western technology while strengthening control over critical digital infrastructure. In contrast, Alibaba’s Qwen model was mentioned in just one tender, highlighting DeepSeek’s dominance in military applications.
The PLA’s interest in AI extends to hardware as well. Despite U.S. export controls on Nvidia’s A100 and H100 chips, procurement records and patents indicate that PLA-affiliated research institutes continue to use these chips. While it remains unclear whether these chips were stockpiled before the U.S. imposed restrictions, their continued use suggests a persistent demand for high-performance computing in military research.
Additionally, the PLA has increased its use of domestically produced Huawei AI chips, a shift that aligns with Beijing’s broader campaign to promote indigenous technology. Sunny Cheung, a fellow at the Jamestown Foundation, noted this trend in his analysis of PLA procurement tenders. While Reuters could not independently verify all the tenders, the shift towards Huawei chips reflects China’s strategic pivot towards self-sufficiency in critical technologies.
The PLA’s AI ambitions are not limited to hardware and algorithms. The military is exploring AI-powered robot dogs that can scout in packs, drone swarms capable of autonomous target tracking, and visually immersive command centres. In November 2024, the PLA issued a tender for AI-powered robot dogs designed to detect threats and clear explosive hazards. However, it remains unclear whether this tender was fulfilled.
These developments come as China and the United States intensify their technological rivalry, with both nations urging their militaries to prepare for potential conflict. The PLA’s adoption of AI mirrors U.S. efforts to integrate autonomous systems into military operations, raising questions about the future of warfare and the role of artificial intelligence in shaping battlefield outcomes.
As China continues to invest in AI-driven military technologies, the global defence landscape is poised for significant transformation. The PLA’s focus on DeepSeek models, Huawei chips, and autonomous systems signals a strategic shift that could redefine the balance of power in the years to come.