China’s PLA Integrates ‘DeepSeek’ AI for Non-Combat Military Functions
China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has begun utilizing DeepSeek, an advanced artificial intelligence tool, to enhance various non-combat military operations. The adoption marks a growing trend in the PLA’s drive toward modernization through the integration of AI technologies in support roles such as medical services, physical training, and psychological care.
Deployment in Military Hospitals
One of the primary areas where DeepSeek AI has been deployed is within the PLA’s network of military hospitals. At the general hospital of the PLA Central Theatre Command, DeepSeek’s R1-70B large language model (LLM) is being used to assist medical professionals in developing treatment strategies. The AI system is designed to operate securely, with all sensitive patient data processed and stored locally to ensure confidentiality.
Similarly, the prestigious PLA General Hospital in Beijing, commonly referred to as the “301 Hospital,” which provides care for top military and political leaders, has also integrated DeepSeek into its medical workflow. This move underscores the PLA’s confidence in the tool’s ability to securely manage and analyze critical health information.
Broader Non-Combat Applications
Beyond the medical sector, DeepSeek is being used by the People’s Armed Police and other defense support units to assist in routine activities such as physical fitness programs and mental health services. The AI tool helps create customized training schedules and psychological wellness plans, providing a modernized approach to personnel management and support.
Strategic Vision and Future Potential
While current applications remain non-combat in nature, military analysts suggest the PLA may gradually expand the use of AI technologies like DeepSeek into operational planning, intelligence gathering, and battlefield analysis. However, the military has reaffirmed its stance that AI should augment rather than replace human decision-making in critical areas. Maintaining human oversight and strategic adaptability remains a cornerstone of PLA doctrine.
This integration of AI reflects China’s broader push toward military intelligentization—leveraging advanced technologies to streamline and upgrade its armed forces. By embedding AI into foundational support systems, the PLA is laying the groundwork for more sophisticated deployments in the future, signaling a strategic shift in how modern militaries may operate in the age of artificial intelligence.
