Reports

CSET produces evidence-driven analysis in a variety of forms, from informative graphics and translations to expert testimony and published reports. Our key areas of inquiry are the foundations of artificial intelligence — such as talent, data and computational power — as well as how AI can be used in cybersecurity and other national security settings. We also do research on the policy tools that can be used to shape AI’s development and use, and on biotechnology.

Report

China’s Military AI Wish List

Emelia Probasco, Sam Bresnick, and Cole McFaul
| February 2026

This report examines thousands of Chinese-language open-source requests for proposal (RFPs) published by the People’s Liberation Army between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2024. The RFPs the authors reviewed offer insights into the PLA’s priorities and ambitions for AI-enabled military technologies associated with C5ISRT: command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting.

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Date (Newest) Date (Oldest)
Translation

State Council Notice on the Publication of Certain Regulations on Implementing the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Promoting the Conversion of Scientific and Technological Achievements

January 21, 2021

See our original translation of 2016 PRC regulations that aimed to create clearer and stronger financial incentives for institutions and individuals to convert scientific breakthroughs into commercially viable or otherwise practical applications.

Translation

Law of the People’s Republic of China on Promoting the Conversion of Scientific and Technological Achievements

January 21, 2021

See our original translation of China's law on the "conversion of S&T achievements," originally enacted in 1996 and amended in 2015.

Translation

Notice on the Publication of “Certain Opinions on Promoting Curricula Merging at ‘Double World-Class’ Institutes of Higher Education and on Accelerating the Cultivation of Graduate Students in the AI Field” by the Ministry of Education, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the Ministry of Finance

January 21, 2021

See our original translation of a 2020 PRC document recommending a number of measures to improve China's system for cultivating AI talent.

Translation

Notice of the General Office of the State Council on the Publication of the Action Plan for Promoting the Transfer and Conversion of Scientific and Technological Achievements

January 21, 2020

See our original translation of a PRC government action plan that lays out numerous institutional measures to spur the conversion of technological breakthroughs into commercial or practical uses.

Translation

Certain Opinions of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Science and Technology on Strengthening Work to Transfer and Convert the Scientific and Technical Achievements of Institutes of Higher Learning

January 21, 2021

See our original translation of a 2016 PRC document, issued by the Ministry of Education, establishing guidelines for how Chinese universities should convert their research breakthroughs into commercial or otherwise practical use.

Translation

Administrative Measures to Motivate Leading Personnel of the Chinese Academy of Sciences to Hold Concurrent Positions and to Convert Scientific and Technological Achievements

January 21, 2021

See our original translation of a 2016 PRC document from the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Translation

Opinions on Measures to Accelerate the Absorption of Leading Private Enterprises into the Domain of Scientific Research, Production, and Maintenance of Weapons and Equipment

December 18, 2020

See our original translation of a 2014 PRC document describing the types of permits and certifications Chinese companies need to bid for military contracts.

Translation

Guiding Opinions on the Participation of the Non-Publicly-Owned Sector in National Defense Science, Technology and Industry Construction

December 18, 2020

See our original translation of a 2007 PRC document from the predecessor office of China's State Administration for Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense.

Translation

Notice on the Publication of the Guide to the Participation of the Non-Publicly Owned Sector in National Defense Science, Technology and Industry Construction

December 18, 2020

See our original translation of a 2007 document from the predecessor office of the PRC State Administration for Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense.

Translation

Transcript of the National Development and Reform Commission October Press Conference

December 18, 2020

See our original translation of a National Development and Reform Commission Press Conference from October 2020.