Key Takeaways
1. DeepSeek’s AI systems are currently used in healthcare and logistics within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), with potential future applications in military intelligence.
2. The PLA employs DeepSeek’s open-source large language models (LLMs) in various military hospitals and support units, ensuring patient data remains secure.
3. DeepSeek’s technology assists the People’s Armed Police in physical training and psychological support, allowing for initial testing before sensitive military applications.
4. DeepSeek plays a significant role in military intelligence, enabling real-time analysis of battlefield information to improve situational awareness and strategic planning.
5. Experts predict that continued integration of AI in the PLA could lead to direct combat applications, highlighting the importance of effective AI incorporation in military operations.
DeepSeek’s AI systems are currently operational in hospitals and support units of the People’s Liberation Army, with experts predicting a future shift towards battlefield intelligence functions.
Current Usage in Healthcare
Reports from Chinese media indicate that the PLA is utilizing DeepSeek’s AI technology for support roles that do not involve combat. At this time, the focus is primarily on healthcare and logistics. However, defense analysts anticipate that it won’t take long before AI will be deployed in military intelligence and crucial decision-making processes.
Implementation in Defense
DeepSeek’s open-source large language models (LLMs) are being utilized in PLA hospitals, the People’s Armed Police, and various defense mobilization departments. The Central Theatre Command general hospital has recently mentioned its “embedded deployment” of the R1-70B LLM, which provides treatment suggestions while ensuring patient data remains on local servers. Additionally, Beijing’s renowned “301 Hospital,” which caters to high-ranking officials, has collaborated with Huawei to integrate the DeepSeek-R1 model into its operations.
Training and Counseling Applications
The People’s Armed Police also employs DeepSeek’s technology for physical training and psychological support initiatives. Sam Bresnick, a research fellow at Georgetown University’s Centre for Security and Emerging Technology, emphasizes that these limited applications allow the PLA to test the technology before applying it to more sensitive missions.
A state-run outlet, Guangming Daily, underscored DeepSeek’s “increasingly vital role in military intelligentization,” highlighting its ability to quickly analyze real-time battlefield information for improved situational awareness during conflicts. The publication discussed how AI could be applied in amphibious landings, where it might adjust strategic plans in response to changing battlefield conditions.
Outlook on Future Integration
Chinese military expert Fu Qianshao stated that DeepSeek illustrates “the PLA’s dedication to staying current and fully leveraging AI technology to enhance overall combat capabilities.” He noted that the ongoing integration of AI in command systems might eventually lead to direct combat applications.
Recently, the Nanjing National Defence Mobilisation Office published a user manual for DeepSeek, detailing its applications for emergency evacuation strategies, defense education, and resource evaluations. While many experts still consider the US to be ahead in AI advancements, Bresnick points out that the true advantage will go to whichever nation effectively incorporates AI into its military operations.
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