The nuclear danger of military AI: why the US, China and other countries are looking for agreements

 With the development of artificial intelligence (AI), its use in the military field is becoming more widespread, especially in the nuclear field. However, the use of this technology for military purposes raises serious concerns about nuclear safety, prompting the United States, China and other countries to seek opportunities to conclude relevant agreements.

The use of AI in the military sphere is growing every day, including its use in nuclear command and control (NCC) systems. For example, the US National Safety Council suggests using AI for nuclear early warning, launch detection, and multisensory data integration. However, the vulnerability of AI and the lack of transparency of information processing can increase the risk of misjudging the situation and an unexpected escalation of conflict. In addition, the use of AI in cybersecurity can also pose a threat to nuclear command, control, and communications systems.

Despite the fact that the use of AI in the military sphere carries significant risks, there is still no global consensus on how to effectively manage these risks. For example, the Paris AI Initiative in February 2025 did not receive support from the United States and the United Kingdom. Such disagreements not only hinder the healthy development of AI technologies, but can also lead to a split in the ways AI develops.

To address the risks associated with the use of AI in the nuclear field, the international community must strengthen cooperation. China has always advocated for cooperation and governance mechanisms to ensure the safe and responsible use of AI technologies. China's proposed AI security framework emphasizes the collaboration of all stakeholders to identify, prevent, and respond to risks. In addition, the creation of a testing and evaluation system based on AI risk levels and the introduction of flexible management are also important measures to counter AI risks.

In general, the use of AI technologies in the military field creates new challenges and risks. The international community must join forces to ensure the safe and responsible use of AI technologies through dialogue, cooperation, and regulation.