China’s defence sector is accelerating its shift into algorithm-driven warfare, with the state-owned Norinco unveiling the P60 combat-support vehicle powered by the domestic AI model DeepSeek. The vehicle, capable of autonomously operating at around 50 km/h, is hailed by Chinese officials as a milestone in catching up with the US in the arms race. 

Research papers and procurement documents reviewed by Reuters show a pattern of investment in robot dogs for reconnaissance and explosive-hazard clearing, as well as swarms of AI-driven drones that can coordinate target-tracking and decision-making tasks. 

Beijing’s push for what it calls “algorithmic sovereignty” seeks to reduce reliance on Western technology while embedding AI into every layer of the battlefield - from vehicles and drones to command-centres. 

While exact operational capability remains opaque, analysts warn that China’s combination of AI-models, domestic chips and modern robotics could shift the balance of future conflict.