Saunders and Wuthnow examined developments in China’s cutting-edge weaponry as well as the internal challenges facing the PLA, which they noted are rooted in a Leninist military culture of paranoia, politicization, and corruption. The authors noted that China is not eager to be bogged down abroad but is instead focused on preparing for contingencies nearer to home.

As the conversation turned to artificial intelligence (AI), Gunness posed a pressing question—could AI help China overcome the fog of war? Wuthnow suggested that while AI may offer tools, it won't be a “magic wand” in addressing the PLA’s various challenges.