tl;dr
Chinese researchers have developed the first AI-based nuclear warhead inspector that can distinguish real warheads from decoys without accessing classified data. Using a polythene wall to scramble neutron signals while allowing radiation to pass, combined with cryptography and Monte Carlo simulation...
Chinese researchers have developed the world’s first AI-based nuclear warhead inspector capable of distinguishing genuine warheads from decoys without accessing classified military information. The innovative system uses a 400-hole polythene wall to scramble neutron signals while allowing radiation to pass through, combined with cryptography and Monte Carlo simulations to securely verify nuclear capability. Despite difficulties in training the AI and gaining military trust, this technology shows great promise for advancing arms control verification methods.
In parallel with this technological leap, China plans to establish an AI application cooperation center with member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), including Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. This center aims to promote regional AI research, collaboration, setting uniform standards, and fostering sustainable AI development to benefit local economies. The initiative reflects China's ambition to accelerate digitization across the region and build a multipolar technology environment.
SCO nations are actively advancing AI-related projects, often in partnership with China. Russia has engaged in exploring military AI applications, Kazakhstan has formed public sector AI agreements with South Korea, and Kyrgyzstan is digitizing key trade routes using AI and Web3 technologies. Globally, militaries are adopting AI tools responsibly, exemplified by bilateral agreements such as those between the U.S. and Nigeria, and China and Russia, focusing on ethical and safe AI deployment in defense.
The fusion of AI with secure enterprise blockchain systems is also gaining attention as a method to ensure data integrity, ownership, and immutability, critical for trustworthy AI operation within legal frameworks. China's efforts to innovate AI regulation and research, alongside SCO partners' initiatives, signal a dynamic shift toward a collaborative and secure AI future in geopolitical and technological landscapes.