Original Source
China Bets on AI-Powered Military Modernization, Emphasizing Security and Tech Self-Reliance
China's Strategic Priorities and Military Modernization
Every spring, China's Two Sessions offers insight into the country's political priorities. This year's gathering sent a clear signal: In an era of growing geopolitical turbulence, Beijing is firmly placing security and military modernization at the center of its long-term strategy. Despite China's economy growing at a slower pace, the leadership is doubling down on the idea that development and security must reinforce each other. President Xi Jinping underscored this by placing the modernization of the Peopleโs Liberation Army (PLA) at the core of Chinaโs future planning. The military is expected to play a substantial role in the country's 15th Five-Year Plan, which will guide development from 2026 to 2030.
AI-Driven 'Intelligentization' Strategy
Central to China's strategic thinking is technological self-reliance, especially in sectors linked to defense, advanced manufacturing, and AI. The next stage of modernization for the PLA is termed 'intelligentization,' which involves integrating AI, autonomous systems, and advanced data networks into military operations. This concept represents the third phase of China's military transformation, following earlier stages of mechanization and informatization. In practical terms, intelligentization means using AI-driven technologies to accelerate battlefield decision-making, improve command and control systems, and enhance situational awareness for commanders. The aim is to achieve 'decision-making dominance' โ the ability to process information faster and act more effectively than potential adversaries. This vision also reflects how Beijing views future warfare, which it describes as 'meta-wars' spanning multiple domains, blending physical, virtual, and cognitive spaces with conventional military power.
*Source: RT News (2026-03-18)*
