The findings highlight the growing challenge facing the United States as it tries to prevent cutting-edge AI from strengthening China’s military capabilities.
The United States has tried to stop AI tech sales to China.
For example, the Trump administration temporarily paused sales of Nvidia’s custom H20 AI chips to China in early 2025.
When sales resumed under new rules, experts warned that blocking computer hardware alone cannot stop AI software and models from crossing borders and according to the study that warning has proved to be true.
AI has become a key area of competition between the world’s two largest economies, with both countries investing heavily in technologies that could reshape future warfare.
Reuters investigation raises concerns
Reuters reported that researchers linked to China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) used AI models from U.S. companies, including OpenAI, Meta, and Anthropic, in studies involving military applications.
According to Reuters, “Sunny Cheung, a Jamestown fellow who analysed over 60 of the papers, said Chinese military scientists are systematically capturing the reasoning steps of Western models to adapt them for surveillance, cyber warfare and tactical decision-making.”
The study show how difficult it has become for Washington to enforce restrictions designed to keep advanced American AI technology out of China’s military research pipeline.
U.S. officials have argued that powerful AI systems could improve intelligence gathering, battlefield planning, autonomous weapons, and cyber operations, making export controls a key part of the country’s national security strategy.
China’s defence footprint in Africa continues to grow
The development comes as China expands its defence presence across Africa through arms exports, military training, and security partnerships.
Beijing has become one of the continent’s largest suppliers of military equipment, exporting fighter aircraft, drones, armoured vehicles, naval vessels, and air-defence systems to several African countries.
Nigeria and Algeria are among the largest African buyers of Chinese military equipment, while Tanzania and several other countries have strengthened defence ties with Beijing through military training, joint exercises, and security cooperation.
China also operates its first overseas military base in Djibouti, giving it a strategic presence near one of the world’s busiest shipping routes.