Beijing raises ethical concerns over battlefield algorithms
China has warned that the United States’ expanding military use of artificial intelligence could weaken ethical safeguards in warfare and reduce human accountability for battlefield decisions.
The warning came from Jiang Bin, who spoke on Wednesday in response to reports that the US Defence Department has asked American technology firms to grant the military unrestricted access to AI systems.
Jiang said Beijing opposes attempts by any country to use advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to achieve absolute military dominance or to undermine the sovereignty of other nations.
He also criticised the growing role of algorithms in combat planning and decision-making. According to Jiang, allowing AI to influence life-and-death decisions on the battlefield risks eroding ethical restraints that traditionally guide warfare.
“Using AI as a tool to violate the sovereignty of other nations or allowing algorithms to determine life and death could erode accountability in war,” he said.
Calls for human control over AI weapons
Chinese officials stressed that all AI-enabled military systems should remain under direct human oversight.
Jiang said Beijing believes “human primacy” must remain central in military operations and that weapons powered by artificial intelligence should always operate under human control to prevent dangerous technological consequences.
He warned that uncontrolled military AI development could pose unpredictable risks and even lead to scenarios like those depicted in the science-fiction film The Terminator, in which autonomous machines threaten humanity.
China also called for stronger international cooperation on AI governance. Officials said Beijing is prepared to work with other countries through the United Nations to develop global rules, strengthen risk prevention and ensure the technology benefits human civilisation.
The remarks reflect rising global debate about how artificial intelligence should be regulated as it becomes increasingly integrated into military strategy and modern warfare.
