Militarisation of AI and the U.S.-China Competition: The Future Frontlines

Emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) are now considered to be fostering the military strategies and national security of major powers. China and the United States (U.S.) are at the forefront, having incorporated these cutting-edge technologies into their defence strategies as well as civil purposes to gain maximum economic gains. However, their hostile relations in the wake of these emerging technologies have implications for global power dynamics. The U.S. and China have been compelled to improve their military capabilities by using AI as a deterrent against potential aggression from enemies in a world, dominated by geopolitical turmoil. Concerns regarding potential future conflicts between these two military powerhouses have been raised due to the critical role that AI-centric mechanisms and capabilities have taken in their strategic policies. This study being exploratory research, examines how the U.S.-China tech competition, particularly in the field of AI, may or may not influence the present political landscape unravelling the future global power dynamics. The paper concludes that Sino-U.S. relations in the exploration of AI has ignited a competition between the two giants having profound implications for the global balance of power.