China is enticing private corporations to create artificial intelligence for military applications, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.
The Chinese State Council has unveiled details of its ambitious "Artificial Intelligence +" (AI+) program, a strategic initiative aimed at making China a global leader in intelligent technologies.
The program, which aligns with President Xi Jinping's long-standing promotion of "civil-military integration," seeks to upgrade the People's Liberation Army (PLA) with civilian institutions. By 2027, over 70% of AI integration is planned to be achieved in key applications and next-generation devices.
One of the key players in this AI-based modernization effort is Jiaotong University in Shanghai. The university has won a defense contract, marking the seventh such contract since the start of 2023. This contract involves helping the military track fast-moving targets using AI models.
Jiaotong University's scientists are also working on designing underwater drones as part of their AI-based projects. In January 2024, they published a study on applying AI to deploy weapon systems in real-time adaptive "kill webs" during naval battles.
The broader goal of the AI+ program is to transition China to a "smart economy" and form an intelligent society by 2035. By 2030, over 90% smart solution integration is planned, with AI serving as the main driver of economic growth.
The university's AI projects also aim to make Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) more sensitive to radio frequency changes. Jiaotong University has been aiding multiple companies and universities in China in modernizing the country's military using advanced technologies.
These developments have not gone unnoticed, with the Wall Street Journal reporting on Jiaotong University's role in China's military modernization efforts. The application of artificial intelligence seems to be yielding results, contributing to China's ongoing efforts to upgrade the PLA.
The AI+ program's timeline includes a target for over 90% smart solution integration by 2030, with the transition to a "smart economy" and the formation of an intelligent society by 2035. This ambitious initiative underscores China's commitment to leveraging AI for economic growth and national security.
