A video that went viral on social media and aired on Chinese state television has once again aroused concern among experts and curiosity among many people. The image shows a robot dog equipped with an automatic rifle being escorted by People’s Liberation Army (PLA) soldiers through a training range, firing remotely. The Chinese government says the equipment is part of a modernization strategy aimed at amphibious operations with a focus on possible attacks on the island of Taiwan.
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The scene highlights a “pack” of metal machines equipped with artificial intelligence designed to move through areas considered to be high-risk. State media claim the robot can cross sections of up to 200 meters in about 30 seconds, which previously put soldiers at risk. The units have a range of approximately 2 kilometers from the control center, autonomy to withstand more than two hours of combat, and a payload of up to 20 kilograms.
In the exercise, robot dogs can be seen advancing behind the cover of drones and artillery, forming the first wave of attack in a mock operation. A typical squadron includes one reconnaissance robot, two armed with automatic weapons and one that transports ammunition and medical supplies, the broadcaster said. The machines can overcome barbed wire and various obstacles and were introduced as part of China’s efforts to replace human risk in costly attacks.
Despite impressive demonstrations, military experts interviewed by international organizations point out important limitations. They argue that robots lack effective defense and rely heavily on human assistance, reducing their actual impact in war scenarios. For analysts, the exhibition also serves as a political tool to reinforce the narrative of military modernization led by President Xi Jinping.
The video was released days after China commissioned the country’s largest and most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, in a ceremony on Hainan Island attended by President Xi Jinping. The ship, which is 305 meters long and weighs 80,000 tons, strengthens the country as the world’s second-largest aircraft carrier force and expands its battle for sea supremacy with the United States.
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