Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to accelerate its integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and intelligent technologies as part of ongoing military modernization efforts. His remarks came during a Politburo group study session held on Thursday, just ahead of the PLA’s 99th anniversary on Friday.
Xi, who also chairs the Central Military Commission (CMC), highlighted the significant progress the PLA has made in recent years while calling for more “decisive” advancements to realize the military’s centenary goals. He emphasized the need to enhance the military’s application of unmanned intelligent systems, improve network information system development, and gradually construct an intelligent military framework.
“The drive to build a stronger military has achieved historic accomplishments and undergone historic transformations,” Xi stated, stressing the integration of combat capability systems, robust combat-oriented testing and evaluation, and continuous military training to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests.
In addition to technological development, Xi called for intensified efforts in the ongoing anti-corruption campaign within the armed forces, which has led to the removal of numerous senior officers, including members of the CMC and two former defense ministers.
Defense Minister Dong Jun, speaking at a reception marking the PLA’s anniversary, described 2026 as a “crucial year” for achieving the military’s centennial objectives. He urged the PLA to fully implement Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military and uphold the CMC chairman responsibility system. Dong reinforced the military’s role as a strategic safeguard for national reunification and vowed to oppose any moves toward Taiwan independence or external military interference.
Military analysts have underscored the importance of AI in modern warfare. Fu Qianshao, a former air force officer and military analyst, noted a shift toward greater reliance on unmanned systems such as drone swarms, robotic platforms, and unmanned underwater vehicles. He explained that the advancement of these systems depends fundamentally on intelligentization powered by AI. Fu emphasized the need to accelerate current development projects and intensify weapons testing to elevate the PLA’s combat capabilities across all service branches.
Former PLA instructor Song Zhongping highlighted the session’s focus on maintaining continuous training and combat readiness, particularly through preparation based on real-world combat scenarios.
The Politburo session also featured a report from Sun Zheng of the CMC’s strategic planning office, who discussed plans to further promote national defense and military modernization. The Communist Party is expected to hold a national congress in late 2027, a traditional juncture for leadership transitions, including potential changes within the CMC membership.