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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See our translation of the Ministry of Science and Technology plan which outlines China’s priorities for “military-civil fusion” in the years 2016–2020. The plan aims to eliminate stovepipes between the Chinese military and civilian innovation ecosystem.

Translation

Assessing Chinese Reactions to New U.S. Visa Policies on Chinese Students and Researchers

Emily S. Weinstein and Dahlia Peterson
| June 2020

This report summarizes Chinese reactions to a May 29th White House proclamation forbidding entry to the United States of graduate students or researchers with past or current affiliations with entities supporting China’s military-civil fusion. It draws on sources ranging from government statements and state-owned media to blog posts.

See our translation of The Director of the PRC Overseas Chinese Affairs Office's report to the Chinese parliament in April 2018 regarding his office’s performance.

See our translation of a white paper by a PRC information security standardization group describes the current state of AI security and safety standards in China. Appendices list all of China’s AI security standards as of October 2019, and provide examples of AI security innovations pioneered by Chinese tech companies and IBM.

See our translation of a government-issued white paper describing China’s approach to standards setting for AI. Appendices list all of China’s existing AI standards as of January 2018, as well as those under study, and provide examples of AI applications by leading Chinese tech companies.

See our translation of an agreement between Chinese students who study abroad and the PRC Ministry of Education’s China Scholarship Council. It requires students on CSC scholarships to report regularly on the progress of their studies and mandates that those who study abroad return to China for at least two years.

See our translation of the 2019 application process for graduate students at Zhejiang University who wished to participate in a major Chinese government-funded study abroad program.

See our translation of biographical profiles of each member of China's New Generation AI Strategic Advisory Committee, as well as government and media reporting on the committee.

See our translation of guidelines issued by the PRC Ministry of Science and Technology in August 2019, describes a process by which Chinese cities can apply to establish "national new generation AI innovation and development pilot zones."

See our translation of the Ministry of Science and Technology describes a plan to entice foreign scientists, professors and entrepreneurs to work in China. Chinese companies, universities and research institutes apply on behalf of their prospective foreign employees.