The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) has released an unclassified report highlighting mounting concerns over China's rapid advancement in artificial intelligence and biometric technologies, warning of serious implications for U.S. and global security.
In its nearly 200-page report to Congress, the DOD details how China aims to overtake Western nations in AI research and development by 2025 and emerge as the global AI leader by 2030. This technological push forms a key part of China's strategy to achieve what it calls "the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation" by 2049.
The report reveals China's military, the People's Liberation Army (PLA), is actively integrating AI capabilities into what it terms "intelligentized warfare." This includes the development of deepfake technology, cyber operations, and surveillance systems that could potentially manipulate global narratives and disrupt adversaries' decision-making processes.
Of particular concern is China's Military-Civil Fusion initiative, which combines civilian and military innovation to develop advanced AI-enabled military capabilities. The PLA has established research centers and procurement channels to access cutting-edge AI technologies from commercial sectors.
The DOD report emphasizes China's growing dominance in facial recognition and natural language processing. While Chinese companies lead these fields and produce AI chips domestically, they continue working to close gaps in advanced semiconductor fabrication through substantial research funding and industrial policies.
Within China's borders, these technologies enable comprehensive surveillance through facial recognition systems and the Social Credit System. The report notes especially invasive monitoring in regions like Xinjiang and Tibet, where these tools are used to control ethnic and religious minorities.
Beyond its borders, China exports surveillance technologies through its Digital Silk Road initiative, potentially creating strategic dependencies and promoting authoritarian governance models in developing nations. The DOD warns that nations adopting Chinese technology risk exposure to espionage and political pressure through potential system vulnerabilities.
The report concludes that China's technological advancement requires immediate international attention to establish ethical standards and reduce dependence on Chinese technology, as failure to act could strengthen China's influence over these transformative technologies and impact global stability.