China and the Ethics of Military AI: Debating the Norms of Future Wars
As China emerges as a leading power in artificial intelligence (AI), its views on the ethical use of AI in warfare are increasingly consequential for global security. Yet, these perspectives remain underexamined.
Systematic Mapping of Military AI Ethics
This article offers the first systematic mapping of China’s domestic discourse on military AI ethics, drawing on official, military, and academic sources. It identifies three defining principles:
- De-universalization of ethics in favor of sovereignty-based frameworks;
- Primacy of Party-led human control;
- Strategic use of ambiguity to balance international cooperation with national security.
Debating Military AI Governance
Far from rejecting ethics, Chinese actors actively debate military AI governance on distinct political and geopolitical terms. This framing creates both openings and frictions for international norm-building on AI in warfare.
Understanding these dynamics is essential for stakeholders engaged in discussions about the future of warfare and the role of AI.
