China Expands AI Use Across Sectors, Deploys DeepSeek in Military and Police Hospitals

• Modernization of the Chinese military poses a potential risk for India

• DeepSeek AI to assist doctors in military and police hospitals, but not for battlefield use

• AI adoption increases in healthcare, urban development, manufacturing, and government agencies

China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has begun using its domestically developed AI system, DeepSeek, for non-combat military operations, particularly in military hospitals. Military doctors are leveraging this AI for medical assistance. Additionally, China is rapidly expanding AI applications across various critical sectors.

According to the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post, DeepSeek’s deployment is increasing in military hospitals, the People’s Armed Police, and National Defense Mobilization Organizations. Earlier, the PLA Central Theater Command General Hospital approved DeepSeek’s large language models (LLMs) to enhance doctors’ medical expertise. The AI system has also been implemented at Beijing’s General Military Hospital.

Previously, the Chinese military stated that AI should be used as a tool but not on the battlefield, as it lacks sufficient self-awareness capabilities. DeepSeek is considered one of the most affordable AI models and is gaining popularity as an alternative to ChatGPT, even reaching the top ranks on Apple’s App Store.

Beyond the military, China is also expanding AI applications in healthcare, manufacturing, urban development, and government agencies. With an increase in China’s defense budget, the country is advancing towards a highly modernized military, a development that could pose potential risks for India.