Robot Dogs and AI Drones: China's DeepSeek Strategy for Future Warfare

China's Military AI Advancements

China has been making significant strides in integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its military operations, with a focus on autonomous systems and advanced weaponry. One notable example is the Norinco P60, a military vehicle that can autonomously conduct combat-support operations at 50 kilometers per hour. This technology is powered by DeepSeek, an AI model that has become a key asset for China's tech sector.

The release of the Norinco P60 was highlighted by Communist Party officials as a demonstration of Beijing's efforts to leverage AI in its arms race with the United States. As both nations prepare for potential conflicts, the use of AI in military applications is becoming increasingly critical.

Systematic Efforts in AI for Military Use

A comprehensive review of research papers, patents, and procurement records reveals a systematic approach by Beijing to harness AI for military advantage. While specific details about the systems behind China's next-generation weapons remain classified, these documents offer insights into developments such as autonomous target recognition and real-time battlefield decision support.

These advancements mirror similar efforts in the United States, though the extent to which these technologies have been deployed remains unclear. The News Pulse could not confirm if all the products mentioned in the documents have been built, as patents do not necessarily indicate operational technology.

Continued Use of U.S. Chips

Despite U.S. export restrictions, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and its affiliates continue to seek out Nvidia chips, including models that are subject to U.S. controls. According to the reviewed documents, patents filed as recently as June show the use of these chips by military-linked research institutes.

In September 2022, the U.S. Commerce Department banned exports of Nvidia’s A100 and H100 chips to China. However, the News Pulse could not determine if these chips were stockpiled before the restrictions took effect, as the documents do not specify when the hardware was exported.

Nvidia spokesperson John Rizzo stated that while the company cannot track individual resales of previously sold products, "recycling small quantities of old, second-hand products doesn't enable anything new or raise any national security concern." He also noted that using restricted products for military applications would be impractical without support, software, or maintenance.

Shift Toward Domestic Technology

In 2025, the Chinese military increased its reliance on contractors that claim to exclusively use domestically-made hardware, such as Huawei AI chips. This shift aligns with a public pressure campaign by Beijing encouraging domestic firms to adopt Chinese technology.

While the News Pulse could not independently verify this assertion, the trend coincides with efforts to promote domestic alternatives. The agency's review of procurement notices and patents found demand for and use of Huawei chips by PLA affiliates, although it could not confirm all the tenders seen by the Jamestown Foundation.

DeepSeek's Role in Military Applications

The use of DeepSeek models has been indicated in a dozen tenders from PLA entities, while only one referenced Alibaba's Qwen, a major domestic rival. DeepSeek-related procurement notices have accelerated throughout 2025, with new military applications appearing regularly on the PLA network.

This popularity reflects China's pursuit of "algorithmic sovereignty," aiming to reduce dependence on Western technology while strengthening control over critical digital infrastructure.

AI-Powered Planning and Applications

China is exploring various AI-powered applications, including robot dogs that scout in packs and drone swarms that autonomously track targets. Additionally, the country is developing visually-immersive command centers and advanced war game simulations.

In November 2024, the PLA issued a tender for AI-powered robot dogs designed to scout for threats and clear explosive hazards. While the News Pulse could not confirm if the tender was fulfilled, China has previously deployed armed robot dogs from AI robotics manufacturer Unitree in military drills, according to state media.

Autonomous Weapons and Future Developments

Chinese military entities are investing in increasingly autonomous battlefield technology, as suggested by the documents. Over two dozen tenders and patents highlight the military's attempts to integrate AI into drones for target recognition and tracking, with minimal human intervention.

Beihang University is using DeepSeek to improve drone swarm decision-making when targeting "low, slow, small" threats. Despite concerns about AI-powered munitions, Chinese defense leaders have committed to maintaining human control over weapons systems.

U.S. Chips and Chinese Models

Despite the push for domestic processors, Nvidia hardware continues to be frequently cited in research by military-affiliated academics. The News Pulse identified 35 applications referencing the use of Nvidia's A100 chips by academics at the PLA's National University of Defense Technology (NUDT) and the "Seven Sons."

These entities also filed 15 patents related to AI applications that cited Huawei Ascend hardware, designed as a substitute for Nvidia chips. As recently as June, the PLA Rocket Force University of Engineering filed a patent for a remote-sensing target detection system using A100 chips for model training.

Senior Col. Zhu Qichao, who leads a NUDT research center, stated that U.S. restrictions have impacted their AI research "to some degree," but they remain determined to narrow the technological gap.