China's Military Harnesses AI for Intelligence Operations: What the PLA's Tech Push Means

China's Military Harnesses AI for Intelligence Operations: What the PLA's Tech Push Means

China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) is actively integrating generative artificial intelligence into its military intelligence operations, according to a comprehensive Recorded Future report. The findings reveal how China's military is adapting both foreign and domestic AI models to enhance intelligence gathering and analysis capabilities.

Key Intelligence Applications

The PLA has developed specialized AI tools that can process multiple intelligence streams and generate actionable insights. These systems reportedly handle:

• Multi-source intelligence fusion - Combining open-source intelligence (OSINT), human intelligence (HUMINT), signals intelligence (SIGINT), geospatial intelligence (GEOINT), and technical intelligence (TECHINT)
• Real-time battlefield analysis - Processing satellite imagery and generating comprehensive situation reports automatically
• Decision support systems - Providing recommendations and early warning capabilities to military commanders

Foreign and Domestic AI Models in Use

The report identifies that China's military has leveraged AI models from major international companies alongside domestic alternatives. Foreign models include systems from Meta, OpenAI, and BigScience, while domestic options feature models from DeepSeek, Tsinghua University, Zhipu AI, and Alibaba Cloud.

Notably, the PLA rapidly adopted DeepSeek's generative AI models in early 2025, with Chinese defense contractors claiming to have provided DeepSeek-based OSINT tools directly to military units.

Challenges and Limitations Recognized

Despite enthusiasm for AI applications, PLA researchers acknowledge significant risks. Key concerns include:

• Hallucination problems - Current AI models may generate convincing but inaccurate information
• Ideological bias risks - AI models trained on biased data could compromise objective analysis
• Counterintelligence vulnerabilities - Foreign adversaries could use AI to create deceptive information targeting Chinese intelligence operations

The Academy of Military Science has published studies recommending gradual AI integration with human oversight to ensure reliable intelligence outcomes.

Strategic Implications

This development represents a significant shift in modern military intelligence capabilities. The PLA's systematic approach to AI integration - including patent applications for specialized intelligence systems and procurement of commercial AI technologies - suggests this is a long-term strategic priority rather than experimental testing.

For Western intelligence communities, these developments highlight both the rapid advancement of AI-powered intelligence operations and the increasing challenge of distinguishing authentic information from AI-generated content in open-source intelligence gathering.

🔗 Read the full Insikt Group report