China’s PLA integrates DeepSeek AI for military applications, primarily in non-combat roles such as healthcare and training. The AI-powered system is now assisting doctors in military hospitals by providing treatment recommendations while ensuring data security, according to reports.
DeepSeek AI Enhancing PLA’s Healthcare System
According to the South China Morning Post, DeepSeek’s open-source large language models (LLMs) are now being utilized in PLA hospitals, the People’s Armed Police (PAP), and national defense mobilization units. Earlier this month, the General Hospital of the PLA Central Theatre Command confirmed the integration of DeepSeek R1-70B LLM, allowing medical professionals to use AI-driven insights for treatment plans.
The hospital assured that all patient data remains within secure local servers to maintain privacy. Other high-profile PLA hospitals, including 301 Hospital in Beijing, which serves senior Chinese military officials and government personnel, have also adopted the AI model.
China’s AI Military Strategy: A Balance Between Innovation and Caution
While China continues to modernize its military with AI, the People’s Liberation Army Daily has issued a cautionary note, stating that AI should be seen as a decision-support tool rather than a replacement for human judgment. The military warns that artificial intelligence lacks self-awareness, emphasizing that human oversight remains essential for strategic decision-making.
DeepSeek AI Surpasses ChatGPT in China
China’s AI sector is attracting global attention, particularly with DeepSeek AI surpassing ChatGPT as the top-ranked free app on Apple’s App Store. DeepSeek’s ability to function with lower compute power than leading Western models has fueled its rapid adoption. Experts predict that DeepSeek AI may soon be integrated into battlefield intelligence, surveillance, and command systems.
Beyond Military Healthcare: Expanding AI Use in China
The PLA integrates DeepSeek AI for military beyond healthcare, with some units of the People’s Armed Police (PAP) utilizing the AI system for physical training programs and psychological counseling. The political work department of the Hainan paramilitary force recently revealed that soldiers have used DeepSeek AI to manage anxiety and develop personalized exercise routines.
China is also actively promoting AI adoption across industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and urban planning. Some government agencies have begun leveraging DeepSeek for anti-corruption efforts, showcasing the technology’s expanding role in national governance.
Future of AI in China’s Military
Analysts believe that the integration of DeepSeek AI in military operations is only in its early stages. While its current applications focus on support roles, experts anticipate that AI will soon play a crucial part in battlefield intelligence, surveillance, and automated decision-making. Military analyst Fu Qianshao has suggested that AI’s use in combat scenarios cannot be ruled out, highlighting China’s accelerating military AI advancements.
With AI-driven military modernization, China is positioning itself as a global leader in artificial intelligence warfare, directly competing with Western defense technologies.