A rare interview with the leader of a Chinese unmanned-submarine program offers tantalizing new hints about the direction of China’s artificial-intelligence and naval-technology efforts — as well as Beijing’s messaging and deterrence strategies.
Lin Yang runs the 912 Project, a classified program to develop new-generation military underwater robots by 2021. He told the South China Morning Post that the robot boats are intended to supplement the PLA Navy’s manned subs by handling such tasks as surveillance, minelaying, and even attacks on enemy vessels, relying on AI to adjust to changing conditions.
One close observer of China’s military technology efforts found the interview remarkable.
“It is quite striking that a senior Chinese [scientist] is willing to confirm the story and discuss a classified program, the 912 Project, in an English-language publication,” said Elsa B. Kania, adjunct fellow at the Center for New American Security. “Presumably, that uncharacteristic transparency reflects a recognition of the relevance of this disclosure for signaling and deterrent purposes.”
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