How Smart Weaponry And Tech Catch-up Alter China’s ‘assassin’s Mace’ Tactic

The Chinese military, under the command of President Xi Jinping, has been facing increasing global scrutiny due to rising tensions with the United States and other geopolitical hotspots. This article examines how Beijing’s newfound focus on smart and AI-powered weaponry has Washington worried. The term “assassin’s mace” has been applied by Chinese state media to the “carrier killer” DF-21D anti-ship ballistic missile and by American military analysts to describe sea mines. Beijing is broadening its military technology focus to advances that can be used across different combat situations, such as employing artificial intelligence, autonomous cars and aircraft, and electronic warfare.