The Chinese military is developing artificial intelligence weapons and other technical systems in hopes of enhancing the People’s Liberation Army’s range of warfighting capabilities, the Washington Times reported on Tuesday.
According to the “China’s ChatGPT War” report released by the Department of the Air Force’s China Aerospace Studies Institute, “there is a consensus in the PLA media that Generative AI has a place in warfare,” and military writings have revealed initiatives surrounding this new technology.
One of the most widespread examples of generative AI is ChatGPT, a chatbot able to generate content in response to user-written prompts. As it advances, analysts forecast that ChatGPT will be able to create text, video and images using a combination of advanced software and high-speed computing in a way that mirrors the human brain.
The report noted that using similar AI technologies for human-machine relations could largely increase the PLA’s force as they are installed into unmanned combat systems that can quickly collect and analyze information and create attack plans. Generative AI may also improve decision making within the PLA when adopted.
AI applications in cyber warfare are also being considered by the PLA. According to the report, hackers will use AI to write malicious code, build bots and websites to obtain user information, carry out social engineering scams and phishing campaigns and create advanced polymorphic malware that can dodge network security software. The PLA also intends to use AI in cognitive warfare, a form of battle that uses non-kinetic methods to shape people’s opinions, as well as in logistics, space operations and training.
While China’s military sees many benefits of AI implementation, there are still areas of concern, including system security, a lack of warfighting experience within the PLA and even the potential for AI systems to develop self-awareness, the report said.
