Objectives: This study investigates the U.S.-China competition in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), focusing on its implications for both countries’ military strategies. It also offers a forward-looking assessment of how this rivalry may influence international security and geopolitical stability. Methods: The research adopts an integrative theoretical framework combining realism—which emphasizes military power and strategic dominance—and technological innovation theory, which highlights the role of emerging technologies in global power shifts. A descriptive and analytical approach is employed, synthesizing academic literature, policy reports, and strategic documents from 2010 to 2030. Results: The U.S.-China AI competition is significantly reshaping the global power balance. While the United States aims to preserve its technological and military superiority, China is rapidly closing the gap to bolster its regional and global standing. The study finds that AI enhances military deterrence through precision, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, yet also introduces risks, including arms races and conflict escalation, particularly in the absence of international regulatory mechanisms. Conclusions: The study recommends the establishment of a global legal framework for AI applications in warfare, enhanced transparency through diplomatic engagement among great powers, and the promotion of peaceful AI uses in sectors such as healthcare, education, and disaster response.
