The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China is increasingly leveraging generative artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance its intelligence capabilities, according to a recent report by Insikt Group.
This development reflects a broader trend within China’s military and defense industry to harness both domestic and foreign large language models (LLMs) for specialized intelligence systems. These AI tools are designed to process intelligence data, generate analytical reports, answer queries, provide recommendations, and support decision-making processes. The overarching goal is to improve the speed, accuracy, and scale of intelligence operations while reducing associated costs.
The Insikt Group’s findings, detailed in their report, are based on an analysis of PLA publications, patents, and other open-source materials. These sources reveal China’s dual perspective on generative AI: optimism about its transformative potential for military intelligence and a clear recognition of its inherent risks and challenges.
AI-Powered Intelligence: Capabilities and Applications
Generative AI is being adapted to meet the specific needs of the PLA’s intelligence operations. By integrating advanced LLMs, the PLA aims to streamline the processing of vast datasets, including open-source intelligence, signals intelligence, and human intelligence.
These AI systems can synthesize raw data into actionable insights, producing comprehensive reports and real-time recommendations.
For example, AI tools can analyze patterns in adversarial communications, predict potential threats, or identify strategic opportunities, all with greater efficiency than traditional methods.
The adaptability of these systems is a key focus. Both foreign models, such as those developed in the West, and domestically created LLMs are being tailored to military specifications.
This includes fine-tuning models to handle classified or sensitive datasets and ensuring they align with the PLA’s operational priorities.
Such systems are also designed to support decision-makers by providing rapid, data-driven responses to complex queries, enabling faster and more informed strategic choices.
Strategic Objectives: Speed, Scale, and Cost Efficiency
The PLA’s investment in AI-driven intelligence tools is driven by a clear strategic vision: to maintain a competitive edge in global military operations. By automating labor-intensive tasks such as data analysis and report generation, the PLA seeks to significantly reduce the time and resources required for intelligence work. This allows for broader coverage of potential threats and opportunities, enabling the PLA to operate at a scale that would be unattainable with human analysts alone.
Moreover, AI’s ability to process multilingual and multimodal data — text, images, and even video — enhances the PLA’s capacity to monitor and respond to global developments. This is particularly relevant in the context of China’s expanding geopolitical influence, where real-time intelligence is critical to maintaining strategic advantage.
Dual Perspective: Opportunities and Risks
China’s approach to AI in intelligence operations reflects a nuanced balance between enthusiasm and caution. On one hand, the PLA sees generative AI as a game-changer, capable of revolutionizing how intelligence is gathered, analyzed, and acted upon. The technology’s ability to automate complex tasks and deliver precise insights aligns with China’s broader ambitions to modernize its military and compete with global powers like the United States.
On the other hand, the PLA is acutely aware of the risks posed by AI, including vulnerabilities to adversarial attacks, data breaches, and the potential for biased or inaccurate outputs. The Insikt Group report highlights that Chinese military publications frequently discuss these challenges, emphasizing the need for robust safeguards and continuous oversight to mitigate threats.
This duality underscores China’s pragmatic approach: while embracing AI’s potential, the PLA remains vigilant about its limitations and the need for secure, reliable systems.
Implications for Global Security
The PLA’s integration of generative AI into intelligence operations has significant implications for global security. As China advances its AI capabilities, it could reshape the landscape of military intelligence, potentially outpacing adversaries in speed and analytical depth.
This development raises concerns about an AI-driven arms race, where nations compete to deploy increasingly sophisticated systems for espionage and strategic decision-making.
For policymakers and defense analysts, the Insikt Group report serves as a critical reminder of the need to monitor China’s AI advancements closely. It also underscores the importance of developing counter measures, such as AI-resistant cybersecurity protocols and ethical guidelines for AI use in military contexts.
Also read:
- China Launches Trial of Robots for Elderly Care
- China’s Three Gorges Dam Slows Earth’s Rotation, Lengthening Days by Microseconds, NASA Confirms
- Google’s $2.4 Billion Windsurf Deal: A Strategic Win or a Blow to Startup Ideals?
Conclusion
The Insikt Group’s analysis of the PLA’s use of generative AI reveals a military force actively embracing cutting-edge technology to enhance its intelligence capabilities. By adapting both foreign and domestic LLMs, the PLA is positioning itself to process vast amounts of data with unprecedented speed and accuracy, all while reducing operational costs.
However, this pursuit is tempered by an awareness of AI’s risks, reflecting a strategic approach that balances innovation with caution.
As China continues to integrate AI into its military framework, the global community must remain vigilant, adapting to an evolving landscape where artificial intelligence is redefining the future of intelligence operations.
*Source: Insikt Group Report, https://go.recordedfuture.com/hubfs/reports/ta-cn-2025-0617.pdf*
