An Analysis of the Role of Artificial Intelligence in China’s Grand Strategy: Perception, Means and Ends

This article examines the discourse on the role of artificial intelligence in China and how it fits into China’s grand strategy policies. In particular, this article will focus on three grand strategy components: leader’s perception, grand strategy means, and grand strategy ends. The author identifies that China’s evolving national interests and strategic ideas are the central concern for its grand strategy by analyzing original texts. Beijing has the most ambitious AI strategy of all nations and provides the most resources for AI development. Since 2017, AI development has become part of China’s grand strategy plans, setting out goals to build a domestic artificial intelligence industry. The AI sector has turned into a national priority included in President Xi Jinping’s grand vision for China. China’s goals are to make the country “the world’s premier artificial intelligence innovation center for AI†by 2030. Ultimately, AI will foster a new national leadership and establish the key fundamentals for great economic power. There are many AI applications in several grand strategy means, including military and economic policies. This article uses a qualitative content analysis method to examine the case. Data was collected from Chinese leaders’ speeches, government statements, official publications, and Chinese state media. This article concludes that AI has become one of the key components in China’s grand strategy means, including economic, military, and intelligence capabilities. By promoting AI technology, China’s grand strategy goals are maintaining national power, national face, and international reputations.