AI bot is part of China’s ‘Unrestricted Warfare’ doctrine

AI bot is part of China’s ‘Unrestricted Warfare’ doctrine

China’s advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have been making headlines, with the recent introduction of DeepSeek AI, a chatbot that competes with Western AI models. While such developments appear to signal China’s growing technological prowess, there is a deeper, more strategic dimension to this initiative—one that aligns with the concept of Unrestricted Warfare.

Coined by two senior Chinese military officers in 1999, the doctrine of Unrestricted Warfare advocates for non-traditional means of warfare to achieve strategic dominance. Instead of relying solely on conventional military force, the doctrine suggests using economic, cyber, legal, and technological tools to undermine adversaries. AI-powered systems, like DeepSeek, fit squarely into this strategy by influencing global narratives, controlling information flow, and shaping public opinion—all without firing a single bullet.

DeepSeek AI, like other large language models, is designed to process and generate human-like text. However, AI chatbots are not neutral; they reflect the values, biases, and censorship imposed by their creators. Unlike Western AI models, which operate under (relatively) transparent corporate oversight, DeepSeek is developed under China’s strict regulatory framework. This means:

Censorship and Narrative Control – The Chinese government heavily censors its own internet, and AI models like DeepSeek are likely trained with the same ideological filters. While Western AI models might debate issues freely, DeepSeek could be programmed to subtly push pro-China viewpoints while suppressing sensitive topics like Taiwan, Hong Kong, and human rights abuses.

Data Collection and Surveillance AI chatbots collect vast amounts of user data, which can be used for intelligence gathering. DeepSeek AI, if deployed internationally, could provide China with insights into global user behavior, opinions, and vulnerabilities, effectively serving as a data-harvesting tool.

Influencing Public Perception – In a world where AI-driven content generation is becoming a primary source of information, DeepSeek could be used to influence discussions on international platforms. By flooding the internet with China-aligned narratives, it could shift public opinion over time in ways that favor Beijing’s strategic goals.

China has a track record of using technological innovation for strategic advantage. Whether through its Great Firewall,TikTok’s algorithmic influence, or cyber-espionage operations,the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) consistently integrates technology into its broader geopolitical strategy. DeepSeek AI represents the next step in this evolution.

Moreover, AI-generated content will play a major role in future conflicts, not just in disinformation campaigns but also in automating propaganda, influencing elections, and even altering historical narratives.If the West does not take countermeasures, DeepSeek and similar tools could gradually erode the information superiority currently enjoyed by democratic nations.

To mitigate the risks posed by AI-driven information warfare, Western governments and tech companies should:

Enhance AI Transparency – AI models must be built with transparent methodologies, ensuring users can differentiate between open information sources and state-controlled propaganda.

Just as there is increasing scrutiny on TikTok, policymakers should examine AI models developed in authoritarian states and their potential risks.

Promote AI Literacy – Educating the public on how AI-generated content can be manipulated will help build resilience against propaganda campaigns.

DeepSeek AI is not just another chatbot—it is a sophisticated tool that fits into China’s Unrestricted Warfare playbook. The global AI race is not merely about technological advancements; it is about shaping the future of information warfare. If the West does not recognize the broader implications, it risks ceding the digital battlefield to a regime that has long mastered the art of information control.