Xi Jinping urges Chinese armed forces to 'strengthen military application' of AI

Chinese President Xi Jinping has directed the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to significantly boost its application of artificial intelligence, pushing for the development of an "intelligent military."

During a Politburo group study session, Xi stressed the need to "strengthen the military application of unmanned intelligent technologies, deepen the development and application of network information systems, and gradually build an intelligent military system," according to state news agency Xinhua. This directive comes ahead of the PLA's 99th anniversary.

The push for AI integration is a key component of the PLA's broader modernization efforts, which aim to establish a world-class military by 2049 and achieve fundamental modernization by 2035. While the specific centenary goal remains unstated, the emphasis on emerging technologies like AI is clear.

Xi highlighted the importance of meeting these modernization targets punctually. He acknowledged that the PLA has made substantial progress in its transformation and combat readiness since 2012, underscoring the leadership's focus on technological advancement and strategic development within the armed forces.

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strengthen the military application of unmanned intelligent technologies, deepen the development and application of network information systems, and gradually build an intelligent military system