China’s PLA Utilizes DeepSeek AI for Non-Combat Applications
Innovations in Military Healthcare and Training
China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has recently begun integrating the newly released AI tool ‘DeepSeek’ into its operations, particularly in military hospitals. The tool aims to enhance non-combat support functions, primarily assisting doctors in formulating treatment plans and facilitating various civilian applications, according to media reports.
The Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported that DeepSeek’s open-source large language models (LLMs) are now being utilized in PLA hospitals, the People’s Armed Police (PAP), and national defense mobilization agencies.
Deployment of DeepSeek in Military Hospitals
Earlier this month, the general hospital of the PLA Central Theatre Command announced the “embedded deployment” of DeepSeek’s R1-70B LLM, stating its capability to offer treatment plan suggestions to support healthcare professionals, as reported by the Post.
The hospital has highlighted its commitment to patient privacy and data security, assuring that all information is stored and processed on local servers, which reinforces data protection measures already in place.
Expansion to Other Facilities
Similar deployments are being observed in other PLA hospitals across the country, including the prestigious PLA General Hospital in Beijing, also referred to as “301 Hospital.” This facility serves senior Chinese officials and military personnel, where sensitive personal data is believed to be kept.
AI’s Role in Military Decision-Making Caution
Despite heavy investments in modernization, the PLA has cautioned its forces against relying excessively on artificial intelligence. They emphasize that AI should assist but never replace human decision-making on the battlefield, as it is devoid of self-awareness and critical judgment capabilities.
An article published in the People’s Liberation Army Daily, the military’s official media outlet, stated, “As AI evolves, it must remain a tool guided by human judgment, emphasizing accountability, creativity, and strategic adaptability.” It insists that AI should complement human decision-makers to enhance command effectiveness.
Global Attention Surrounding DeepSeek
DeepSeek has garnered significant interest worldwide due to its cost-effective model, particularly as its R1 has demonstrated a significantly lower demand for computational power compared to established AI models like ChatGPT.
Future Military Applications
Analysts predict that these AI models may soon play crucial roles in battlefield intelligence, surveillance, and decision-making processes within the Chinese military.
Apart from assisting military hospitals, China is pushing for AI integration across various sectors, including healthcare, manufacturing, and urban planning. Some government agencies are even adopting DeepSeek for anti-corruption initiatives.
Enhanced Training Among Paramilitary Forces
Units of the PAP, a paramilitary police force under the Central Military Commission, have begun using the AI application for daily physical training and psychological counseling.
An official media account from the political work department of the Hainan paramilitary force shared instances of soldiers employing DeepSeek to manage anxiety and formulate exercise plans.
Strategic Experimentation in a Controlled Environment
Sam Bresnick, a research fellow at Georgetown University’s Centre for Security and Emerging Technology, remarked that deploying DeepSeek’s models in clinical and training scenarios allows the PLA a controlled environment for testing and refinement.
By first introducing LLM technology in non-combat settings, the PLA aims to navigate technical and operational challenges before extending applications into more sensitive military domains.
Integrating AI in Military Operations
The PLA has consistently advocated for incorporating advanced technologies such as AI to bolster its combat capabilities in recent years, focusing on improving drone swarm tactics, pilot training realism, and battlefield decision-making support.
The Chinese state-run Guangming Daily highlighted that DeepSeek is increasingly pivotal in the military’s intelligentization process, marking a new chapter in military evolution.
It reported that DeepSeek can process vast amounts of battlefield data in real-time, enhancing situational awareness during combat scenarios.
Commitment to Technological Advancement
Fu Qianshao, a Chinese military analyst, noted that DeepSeek’s applications in routine training and logistical support signify the PLA’s commitment to “adapting and effectively utilizing AI technology to improve their comprehensive combat capabilities.” He added the possibility that DeepSeek may be employed for combat functions, suggesting that the integration of AI into command systems is already in progress.
Questions and Answers
- 1. What is the primary function of DeepSeek within the PLA?
The primary function of DeepSeek in the PLA is to assist in non-combat support functions, particularly in military hospitals by helping doctors develop treatment plans.
- 2. How does DeepSeek ensure data privacy and security?
DeepSeek ensures data privacy and security by storing and processing all data on local servers, thereby safeguarding patient information.
- 3. What are the potential future applications of DeepSeek in the military?
Future applications of DeepSeek in the military could include battlefield intelligence, surveillance, and decision-making, expanding beyond hospital care into active combat support roles.
- 4. How has DeepSeek impacted China’s AI landscape?
DeepSeek has made a significant impact by becoming a top-ranked free app, drawing global attention for its cost-effective capabilities and technological advancements, especially in a competitive AI landscape.
- 5. Why has the PLA emphasized caution with AI usage in combat?
The PLA has emphasized caution with AI, advocating that it should enhance human judgment rather than replace it, as AI lacks self-awareness and critical thinking, which are vital in high-stakes combat decisions.
