By Stephanie Dwilson | 2025-01-16

China's integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing into its space-based technology marks a major step forward in preparing for "intelligentized warfare," warns a Pentagon report released last month.

The annual report, "Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China," offers insight into Beijing's ambitions and capabilities, many of which aim to counter US influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

This expansive, congressionally mandated document, often referred to as the China Military Power Report, includes coverage of China's efforts at achieving dominance in both the civilian and military space domain.

China is pursuing political, social, economic, technological and military development to increase its national power "and revise the international order to support the PRC's system of governance and national interests," according to the report, using the acronym for the People's Republic of China.

In recent years, China has ramped up heavy-handed and coercive economic, diplomatic and military tactics toward Taiwan -- which Beijing views as its own territory -- and other countries with which it has territorial disputes.

Washington does not recognize the democratic island diplomatically but is its strategic ally and largest supplier of weapons and opposes any unilateral changes to the status quo.

A vision for 'intelligentized warfare'

The US Department of Defense (DoD) report released December 18 notes that China expects future conflicts to involve "intelligentized warfare" that includes "expanded use of AI, quantum computing, big data and other advanced technologies."

Bolstering its space capabilities plays an important role in preparing for this next-generation conflict.

China's goal of becoming a world space power has moved far beyond theoretical concepts, the report said.

In 2010, the country operated 36 satellites. By the end of 2024, it operated more than 1,000.

Even now, China is "second only to the United States in number of operational satellites," the report noted.

The country has made significant strides in bolstering both its space and counterspace capabilities, emphasizing "the importance of space-based surveillance capabilities in supporting precision strikes."

Pursuit of space superiority

China has allocated substantial resources to its space operations, the report said. These include but are not limited to

• Operational anti-satellite missiles
• Work on directed-energy weapons
• Mobile jammers to deny Global Positioning System and satellite communications (SATCOM) systems
• Satellite repair research, including robotic-arm technology that might "function as a weapon"
• Quantum communication efforts

China's work in quantum computing also may play a key role in its preparation for "intelligentized warfare."

The country is already leading the global SATCOM market with its experimental quantum communication satellites.

"Testing satellite-based quantum entanglement represents a major milestone in building a practical, global, ultra-secure quantum network," the report said. However, it added, "widespread deployment … still faces hurdles."

China is committed to facing those hurdles.

In 2017, the country spent more than $1 billion on a national quantum lab. Once completed, the report said, it will "become the world's largest quantum research facility."

AI and space integration

One of China's goals is to overtake the West in AI research and development by 2025 and become the world leader in AI by 2030, the DoD report also warns.

"[Chinese Communist Party] leaders believe AI and machine learning will enhance information, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities," the report said. This includes utilizing AI to enhance missile sensors.

In China's view, "AI is leading to the next revolution in military affairs," it said.

The country's "multi-domain precision warfare" strategy utilizes AI and space technology as key elements in conducting highly coordinated military operations, it added.