Red Robots: Chinese Military Modernization and Perceptions of Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems

The article assesses Chinese perceptions on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS), in the context of Xi Jinping’s Chinese Dream and China’s broader approach to military modernization and artificial intelligence (AI). It will first discuss how military modernization is employed by Chinese policymakers in addressing challenges posed by the United States. Secondly, this article will assess the connection between military modernization and the advancement of China’s innovation strategy and civil-military integration, as specified in sections relating to “Xi Jinping Thought.” The article concludes with an analysis of Chinese diplomats’ statements on LAWS at the United Nations—namely, Beijing’s views on the definition of LAWS, global AI governance and ethics, and the parameters of arms control. The analysis here suggests that China has sought guardrails to ban specific uses of LAWS for offensive purposes, while simultaneously arguing that it is illogical to regulate LAWS in a defensive context.