Panel recommends U.S. action to counter China's advanced weapons pursuit

The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission is recommending Congress require the Pentagon to codify a strategic plan to retain leadership in development of advanced weapons, such as hypersonic strike capability and autonomous systems.  

The draft recommendation is part of a package of legislative proposals by the commission that collectively aim to address China's pursuit of advanced weapons. 

“China is pursuing a wide range of military technologies at the global technological frontier -- weapons just now being developed or not yet developed by any nation,” states the draft report. “These advanced weapons programs could yield potentially disruptive military effects, presenting important implications for the United States and its allies and partners in the Asia Pacific.”

In light of China's long-term plan to develop a range of advanced weapons with disruptive military potential -- and “its apparent progress from 'catch-up' to 'leap-ahead' technology -- the draft commission report calls for lawmakers to require DOD to develop a strategic plan for advanced weapon development.

The panel also wants Congress to mandate creation of a pilot program focused on a specific advanced weapon system -- such as a hypersonic cruise missile or high-energy laser -- “to test a new export control process centered on the core capabilities and skills key to developing” that system. 

In addition, the commission's draft report, proposes revising the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States statute “to allow for review of foreign investments in U.S. startups in the artificial intelligence sector, to help protect dual-use technologies applicable to China's next-frontier weapons programs.”