A top Chinese general has called for the adoption of greater integration of novel capabilities, including artificial intelligence, with conventional warfare tactics, in any possible confrontation with the West.
General Wang Haijiang, commander of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Western Theatre Command, wrote in a front-page article in an official newspaper on Monday that a new genre of hybrid warfare has emerged from the Ukraine conflict.
The Ukraine conflict has shown that wars are now waged not just on the traditional battlefield but in unconventional areas and that modern warfare has become a contest of overall national strength, Wang wrote in Study Times.
“At present and in the future, local conflicts and turmoil are frequent, global problems are intensifying, and the world has entered a new period of turmoil and change,” he wrote.
“Various ‘black swan’ and ‘grey rhinoceros’ events may occur at any time, especially with the containing, encircling, decoupling, suppressing, and military threats of some Western nations,” he said.
Wang went on to say that since the war broke out in Ukraine, a new form of “hybrid warfare” has emerged.
“Military confrontations have become intertwined with battles in political, financial, technological, cyberspace and cognitive areas,” he wrote.
The Chinese general also warned about the military risks China faces as geopolitical tensions increase.
“At present and in the future, local conflicts and turmoil have become frequent … the external suppression and containment the country is facing may escalate at any time,” Wang wrote.
He said China needed to better consolidate and improve its “integrated national strategic system and capabilities.”
Wang also said Beijing will seek new military advantages by building up capabilities in areas such as artificial intelligence, information networks, and aviation and space.
Wang said China must accelerate the integration of its strategic forces in the areas of military, economics, science and technology, and build its overall national strength.
China is not alone in warning about the changing nature of warfare.
In an article published last month, NATO highlighted preparations for dealing with “hybrid threats.”
“Hybrid threats combine military and non-military as well as covert and overt means, including disinformation, cyberattacks, economic pressure, deployment of irregular armed groups and use of regular forces,” wrote in the article.
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