Panel report on China’s tech developments calls for U.S. action on space and AI (Image Credit: Space News)
WASHINGTON — A congressional advisory body is calling for urgent measures to counter China’s rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, and space technologies. The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission in its annual report released Nov. 19 highlights the Chinese government’s state-led investments and “techno-nationalist” strategies as key drivers behind its progress in these critical sectors.
The report details how China has integrated cutting-edge technologies into its economic and military strategies. Among its 32 recommendations, the commission urges Congress to prioritize space as a vital arena of competition and conduct a comprehensive review of the U.S. commercial space industry. It also suggests the U.S. establish a “Manhattan Project-like program” to develop artificial general intelligence (AGI) capabilities.
China’s space advancements, particularly in military applications, are a key concern mentioned in the report. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has significantly expanded its space-based surveillance capabilities, tripling its satellites in low Earth orbit and doubling those in geostationary orbit between 2018 and 2024. These assets, including electro-optic imaging satellites, now provide near-continuous coverage of the Indo-Pacific, posing a substantial threat to U.S. and allied operations.
The report also discusses China’s pursuit of counter-space technologies, including directed energy weapons and anti-satellite systems, which could undermine U.S. satellite networks in both peacetime and conflict. In response, the commission recommends a reevaluation of regulations governing the U.S. commercial space sector to foster faster innovation while protecting sensitive technologies.
Pentagon urged to prioritize AGI
The commission’s call for a transformative approach to artificial intelligence is one of its most striking proposals. It recommends Congress create and fully fund a national program to develop AGI — an advanced form of AI capable of human-like reasoning and adaptability.
While AGI remains theoretical, the report emphasizes the risk of falling behind China in this domain. Beijing’s investments in AI span both civilian and military applications, raising concerns about the potential for AGI to tilt the global balance of power.
The commission urges Congress to direct the Defense Department to assign “DX Rating” status to AI development programs, giving them top priority for funding and resources.
The report reiterates longstanding concerns voiced by U.S. defense officials about the PLA’s ability to disrupt U.S. military operations. Directed energy weapons, anti-satellite capabilities, and other counter-space technologies could severely threaten U.S. satellites, including those used for communications, navigation, and reconnaissance.
China’s growing counter-space arsenal also targets emerging threats from commercial satellite providers, whose services have become integral to Pentagon operations. The report cautions that the PLA views these partnerships as vulnerabilities to be exploited.