China is heavily investing in military artificial intelligence (AI), with President Xi Jinping prioritizing its development to elevate the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to match or surpass the U. S. military. However, while China’s advances unsettle many in Washington, the PLA faces notable hurdles like inadequate training data, testing challenges, and U. S. export restrictions on critical semiconductors that power AI. Even if China overcomes these technical issues, internal organizational and political barriers might impede full utilization of AI in military operations. The PLA's hierarchical command structure, under Xi’s centralized leadership, contrasts with the U. S. military’s more decentralized decision-making, potentially hindering quick, AI-assisted battlefield decisions. Xi's centralization could limit flexibility, as seen in his consolidation moves and control over military command structures, hindering the PLA's ability to harness AI.

The PLA’s bureaucratic nature complicates adopting AI tools, as decision-making remains rigidly hierarchical, limiting lower officers’ autonomy. Moreover, the oversight by political commissars could further slow AI applications if they conflict with party directives. While fears exist that China might rely excessively on AI, these political, ideological, and cultural factors shape its use distinctively from that of the U. S. For Washington, understanding these dynamics is crucial. Rather than mirror U. S. strategies, China’s political and military culture will influence their AI deployment. Hence, U. S. policymakers should not only track China’s tech advances but also engage them to manage risks, focusing on responsible and effective AI use aligned with strategic stability.