China is reportedly working to cognitively merge humans with machines as part of its ongoing efforts to compete in the artificial intelligence race.

The communist nation is employing brain-computer interface (BCI) technology — systems enabling interaction between the brain and an external device — to “enhance human cognition and human-machine collaboration,” The Washington Times noted, referencing a presentation by Georgetown specialists given to U.S. officials.

Hannas, a former CIA operative, compiled Chinese government documents detailing the country’s AI funding strategies for the current and previous year. These strategies include various brain-inspired AI methodologies, The Washington Times reported.

Moreover, Chinese state-controlled media have reported statements suggesting that the future entails integrating AI as a physical component of humans, as per The Washington Times.

Close-up of the icon of the ChatGPT artificial intelligence chatbot app logo on a cellphone screen. (iStock)

In 2018, two technologists working on brain-inspired approaches to AI were also recruited by Chinese officials, they told The Washington Times.

China’s innovation in artificial intelligence is “accelerating,” Michael Kratsios, the director of the White House Office of Science and Technology, told Fox News Digital in April. But he maintained that the United States remains the world’s dominant power in AI and the Trump administration’s “promote and protect” strategy will solidify that standing. 

Georgetown’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.