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A US report suggests that China may be developing an army with genetically modified soldiers and decisions guided by artificial intelligence, raising tensions over security and military dominance by 2049.
The United States (US) has released an official report that highlights growing concerns about China's technological and military capabilities, including the possibility of developing a Chinese army with genetically modified soldiers. The document was prepared by the US National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology and delivered to the US Congress after two years of investigation and analysis. The proposal outlined in the report suggests that China would be using advances in biotechnology, genetic engineering and artificial intelligence (AI) to develop super soldiers with enhanced physical and cognitive capabilities. These futuristic fighters, according to the text, could make up an elite force of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) by 2049.
Super soldiers and artificial intelligence at the center of concern
According to the report, the Chinese plan would involve genetically modifying human soldiers, integrating them with AI systems capable of optimizing battlefield decisions. The technology could enhance attributes such as endurance, cognition, reaction time and regeneration capacity, transforming the traditional model of warfare.
“The war for drones will seem outdated if we have to deal with genetically modified soldiers, merging humans and artificial intelligence,” warns the US commission document. The report classifies this possible development as a strategic threat, comparing the expected impact to a “ChatGPT moment”, in which the accessibility and popularization of the technology could radically alter the balance of power between global powers.
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US fears losing leadership in technology race
The report says that if China manages to achieve this breakthrough first, the US may never catch up again. This possibility has fueled domestic debates about the need for massive investment in scientific and technological innovation, especially in the area of biotechnology aimed at national security.
The US commission proposes a two-pronged strategy. The first would be a accelerating innovation in the United States, with a contribution of at least US$15 billion in five years in areas such as genetic engineering, cybersecurity, AI and bioinformatics. The second part of the plan foresees measures to contain the Chinese advance, including intellectual property protection, trade restrictions and regulatory barriers to Chinese companies in the biotechnology sector.
Chinese army with genetically modified soldiers would be part of plan until 2049
The date of 2049, cited in the report, is not random. It marks the centenary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, when the Chinese government has already publicly declared its intention to transform the country into a “world-class military power”. The creation of a Chinese army with genetically modified soldiers would, according to US analysts, be part of this long-term national strategy.
The report further mentions that the biotechnology Chinese military technology may be quietly being developed using genetic data obtained through industrial and cyber espionage. This practice, according to the US, would jeopardize the competitiveness of Western companies and the security of global supply chains in sensitive sectors such as pharmaceuticals and genomics.
Charges include technology theft and market manipulation
The US document details allegations against China, saying the Asian country uses intellectual property theft, massive state subsidies and control of supply chains to dominate the global biotechnology market.
According to the report, this tactic creates unfair competition and harms foreign companies, while strengthening Chinese entities with potential military use. The text suggests that this could lead other nations to adopt technological protection measures, as a way to maintain sovereignty and avoid manipulation of emerging markets.
China does not recognize US accusations
Until now, China has not officially commented on the allegations.. The Chinese government usually rejects accusations of this kind, saying they are part of a Western geopolitical narrative to contain its technological and military growth. There is no public confirmation that the country is developing genetically modified soldiers, nor that the technology is being tested on a military scale.
The absence of direct evidence, however, did not prevent the EUA to raise the tone on the subject, especially in the context of global tensions involving Taiwan, artificial intelligence, semiconductors and cyber espionage.
Biotech warfare could redefine the global military landscape
Experts say the possibility of an army with genetically modified soldiers supported by AI systems represents a turning point for global military doctrine. Human-machine integration, previously only present in science fiction, is beginning to gain ground in strategic reports from major powers.
If confirmed, this transformation could replace traditional combat concepts and require a review of international norms that regulate the use of technologies in military contexts. The so-called “biotechnological war” would include new ethical, legal and diplomatic risks.
Source: Olhar Digital
