China’s PLA Deploys AI Tool ‘DeepSeek’ in Military Hospitals and Non-Combat Roles

China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is integrating artificial intelligence into its military support systems, with the newly developed AI tool, DeepSeek, being deployed across military hospitals and non-combat functions. This move highlights China’s growing emphasis on AI-driven efficiency while maintaining a cautious approach to its role in combat decision-making.

AI in Military Healthcare: A Game-Changer

The General Hospital of the PLA Central Theatre Command has become one of the first institutions to embed DeepSeek’s R1-70B large language model (LLM) to assist doctors in treatment planning. The PLA has assured that all patient data will remain secure, processed on local servers to ensure privacy. Similar deployments have been seen in other top-tier military hospitals, including the PLA General Hospital in Beijing (301 Hospital), which treats high-ranking officials and is known to store highly sensitive data.

By utilizing DeepSeek, PLA hospitals aim to streamline medical decision-making, improve diagnostic accuracy, and enhance patient care. The AI provides treatment suggestions, helping doctors make more informed choices while reducing the workload on medical professionals.

Beyond Healthcare: Expanding AI in Military Operations

DeepSeek’s influence is spreading beyond hospitals. The People’s Armed Police (PAP) and national defense mobilization units are also adopting the AI model for various functions. PAP units have begun using the tool for physical training and psychological counseling, with soldiers leveraging it to create personalized exercise routines and address anxiety.

Additionally, Chinese government agencies are integrating AI models like DeepSeek into broader applications, including anti-corruption efforts, manufacturing advancements, and urban development projects. This suggests a growing reliance on AI across multiple sectors, reinforcing China’s push for technological dominance.

PLA’s AI Strategy: Human Judgment First

Despite these advancements, the PLA remains cautious about relying too heavily on AI in critical military operations. In a January publication in the PLA Daily, the military emphasized that while AI can enhance decision-making, it should not replace human judgment, particularly in battlefield scenarios.

“AI must work in tandem with human commanders to optimize decision-making rather than replace human agency,” the publication stated. This aligns with China’s long-term military modernization strategy, which seeks to integrate AI into warfare without compromising accountability or strategic adaptability.

AI in Future Warfare: The Road Ahead

While DeepSeek is currently focused on non-combat applications, analysts believe its deployment in battlefield intelligence, surveillance, and decision-making is only a matter of time. AI models like DeepSeek are designed to process massive amounts of battlefield data in real time, enabling precise situational awareness and rapid strategic planning.

Experts suggest that the PLA is testing DeepSeek in controlled environments first—such as hospitals and training centers—before deploying it in high-risk combat scenarios. Drone swarm coordination, pilot training simulations, and AI-assisted battlefield decision-making are some of the expected future applications.

China’s AI Push: A Global Wake-Up Call?

China’s successful integration of AI in military support functions is being closely monitored by global defense experts. The low-cost efficiency of DeepSeek has drawn international attention, especially as it reportedly outperformed ChatGPT in popularity on Apple’s App Store. As China continues to refine its AI capabilities, it is likely to set new benchmarks for AI integration in both military and civilian domains.

For now, DeepSeek remains a powerful tool for non-combat operations, but its potential role in shaping the future of AI-driven warfare cannot be ignored. The PLA’s gradual yet deliberate approach suggests that China is laying the groundwork for a future where AI plays a crucial role in military strategy while ensuring human oversight remains at the core of decision-making.