China’s military has warned that artificial intelligence cannot replace human decision-making on the battlefield because it lacks self-awareness.
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“AI must work in tandem with human decision-makers to optimise command effectiveness, enhancing rather than replacing human agency,” an article published in People’s Liberation Army Daily on New Year’s Eve said.
The article says AI can be used to augment human capabilities – through data analysis, simulations or planning – but cannot replace them.
“As AI evolves, it must remain a tool guided by human judgment, ensuring accountability, creativity, and strategic adaptability remain at the forefront of military decision-making,” the article said.
The article said human autonomy and creativity are indispensable on the battlefield. It added that while human commanders can respond to situations dynamically, and exploit enemy weaknesses, AI operates within predefined algorithmic boundaries and its responses often lack originality.
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The PLA said it preferred a model where “humans plan and AI executes” in which the technology is used to carry out the strategies and tactics developed by commanders and keeps an element of human oversight.
It said it prefers a structure where machines analyse data, provide insights and suggest potential actions. However, “final decisions rest with human commanders, safeguarding against errors stemming from AI’s black-box nature”.