The Dual-Use Dilemma in China's New AI Plan: Leveraging Foreign Innovation Resources and Military-Civil Fusion

On July 20, China's State Council issued the "New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan" (新一代人工智能发展规划), which articulates an ambitious, three-step agenda for China to lead the world in AI. The Chinese leadership recognizes that AI will be critical to its "comprehensive national power" and competitiveness, including in national defense. Through this new strategic framework, China will undertake a "three in one" (三位一体) agenda in AI: tackling key problems in research and development, pursuing a range of products and applications, and cultivating AI industry. China wants to become a "premier global AI innovation center" by 2030. This plan seeks to redress current shortcomings and build up indigenous capabilities in innovation.