China’s top general emphasises integration of AI in warfare

China’s top official, General Wang Haijiang, has called for the integration of novel capabilities, including artificial intelligence (AI), with conventional warfare tactics, citing the emergence of a new hybrid warfare genre influenced by Ukraine conflict. The general stressed the importance of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) possessing the ability to win in hypothetical wars to maintain national security. China focuses on developing military advantages through AI, information networks, aviation, and space technologies. China’s commitment to integrating AI and emerging technologies into its military capabilities reflects lessons learned from conflicts like Ukraine.

Despite the economic slowdown and the pandemic, China continues its preparations to enhance national security, with defence spending set to rise for the eighth consecutive year in 2023.