Is the PLA Overestimating the Potential of Artificial Intelligence?

As China’s military pursues “intelligentization,” the PLA envisions artificial intelligence not just as a tool, but as a transformative force in warfare. From battlefield decisionmaking to cognitive influence campaigns, the scope of AI’s role is vast—and ambitious. Yet, while Chinese military theorists spotlight AI’s future power, they also acknowledge its serious risks: unreliable data, ethical concerns, and the danger of machines acting beyond human control. The PLA’s gamble on AI reflects a strategic belief that new wars may be won by those who write the rules, not just play by them.