China Robots (www.newsweek.com)

China is set to deploy autonomous "killer robots" on the battlefield within two years, marking a significant leap in AI-powered warfare that raises concerns among experts about global security. This development follows a growing trend of military reliance on unmanned technologies, including drones and cyber warfare. Defense analyst Francis Tusa indicated that China is progressing at an impressive pace, developing AI-driven ships, submarines, and aircraft "four or five times faster" than the United States. Meanwhile, China and Russia are reportedly collaborating on autonomous weaponry, highlighting the intensifying arms race in this domain. The implications of this rapid advancement are grave. Critics like Steve Goose from Human Rights Watch warn that the lack of international legal frameworks surrounding autonomous weapons poses a serious threat to humanity, as these machines might operate without regard for the laws of war. The U.S. has shown reluctance to impose restrictions, opting instead for "voluntary codes of conduct" while simultaneously advancing its own capabilities. The unchecked development of such autonomous weapons, alongside nuclear arsenals and climate change, has been deemed one of the greatest existential threats facing humanity today.