CNA Talks: A National Security Podcast cover image

CNA Talks: A National Security Podcast

China’s Dual Use Technology

Feb 19, 2025
In this discussion, April Herlevi and Christopher Cairns, both experts in Chinese security and technology, dive into China's rapid advancements in dual-use technology. They explore the PLA's military AI developments, revealing how civilian tech is intertwining with defense strategies. The conversation also highlights China's semiconductor ambitions, emphasizing the role of nationalism and government support. Additionally, they touch on the significance of subsea technologies for military and civilian applications, and the implications of China's growing commercial space industry on global security.
22:00

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • China's strategic integration of advanced AI technologies like Chatbit into military intelligence highlights the dual-use potential of civilian innovations.
  • The rapid advancement of China's semiconductor industry, supported by government subsidies, illustrates its goal for technological self-sufficiency amidst global challenges.

Deep dives

Advancements in AI and Military Applications

China's development of advanced AI technologies demonstrates a shifting focus from traditional military capabilities to integrating these technologies into intelligence and defense strategies. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) has created a large language model called Chatbit, which assists in intelligence analysis by processing and answering related queries. Notably, Chatbit is built upon an existing open-source model from Meta, illustrating a trend where publicly accessible technologies can be repurposed for military ends. This highlights the strategic implications of civilian innovations being adapted for military use, emphasizing the dual-use nature of contemporary technological advancements.

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