The Fundamental Difference in US–China Military AI Competition

Beijing’s disregard for morality and human life, when translated into AI-powered military capabilities, poses a grave threat to the future character of warfare.

HQ-19 anti-ballistic missiles are seen during a military parade in Beijing's Tiananmen Square on Sept. 3, 2025. Greg Baker / AFP via Getty Images

Commentary

The United States and China are pursuing markedly different approaches to the military application of artificial intelligence. The United States emphasizes human-machine collaboration and regards human judgment as irreplaceable, while the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) seeks to gain an advantage through technology theft and a growing dependence on autonomous systems.