Red Robots

Abstract

The article assesses Chinese perceptions of lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS), in the context of Xi Jinping’s Chinese Dream and China’s broader approach to military modernization and artifcial intelligence (AI).1 It will frst discuss how military modernization is employed by Chinese policymakers in addressing challenges posed by the United States. Secondly, this article will assess the connection between military modernization and the advancement of China’s innovation strategy and civil-military integration, as specifed in sections relating to “Xi Jinping Thought.” The article concludes with an analysis of Chinese diplomats’ statements on LAWS at the United Nations—namely, Beijing’s views on the defnition of LAWS, global AI governance and ethics, and the parameters of arms control. The analysis here suggests that China has sought guardrails to ban specifc uses of LAWS for ofensive purposes, while simultaneously arguing that it is illogical to regulate LAWS in a defensive context.