China Harnesses DeepSeek and AI to Revolutionize Warfare Strategies

China is advancing its military strategies through the integration of artificial intelligence. State-owned defense firms, particularly Norinco, have begun deploying new AI technologies, such as the DeepSeek model, to enhance combat operations. This development aligns with China’s broader goal of boosting its military capabilities in the face of competition with the United States.

Norinco’s Autonomous Military Vehicle

In February, Norinco introduced an innovative military vehicle designed for combat-support missions. This vehicle can operate autonomously at speeds of up to 50 kilometers per hour, being powered by the DeepSeek AI model, which is recognized as a leading technology in China’s defense sector.

Heightened Focus on AI Technology

Recent reviews of Chinese military procurement records indicate that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is intensifying efforts to utilize AI for target recognition and battlefield decision-making. This trend mirrors similar advancements in U.S. military technology.

• PLA and its affiliates are increasingly interested in NVIDIA chips, despite U.S. export restrictions.
• Documents suggest a significant rise in the use of Huawei AI chips within military contracts.

Impact of U.S. Export Controls

Export bans imposed by the United States on specific NVIDIA chips have left questions about China’s access to advanced foreign technology. Nonetheless, recent patents show that Chinese institutions are still exploring the application of these chips in their military systems.

• As of September 2022, the U.S. banned exports of NVIDIA’s A100 and H100 chips to China.
• Research indicates PLA access to domestically-produced alternatives from companies such as Huawei is on the rise.

DeepSeek’s Growing Role

Several tenders from the PLA in 2025 point to a growing reliance on DeepSeek AI models for various military applications. The emphasis on this technology reflects China’s efforts toward achieving “algorithmic sovereignty” — aiming to decrease dependence on Western technologies.

Military Innovations

Documents reveal that China is investing in AI-driven technologies such as:

• Autonomous robot dogs for threat detection.
• Drone swarms capable of tracking and engaging targets without human intervention.
• Advanced simulation and command centers to enhance military planning.

Research from the Xi’an Technological University highlighted that AI systems powered by DeepSeek could analyze multiple battlefield scenarios in mere seconds, drastically reducing the time for military planners.

Emerging Autonomous Weapons Systems

Chinese military projects are increasingly focused on integrating AI into drone technology. Current patents outline efforts to enhance drone capabilities, enabling them to identify and engage low-flying threats autonomously.

Conclusion

The strategic incorporation of AI, particularly the DeepSeek model, underscores China’s commitment to modernizing its military capabilities. As the PLA continues to innovate, the implications for global military dynamics remain significant.