A Beijing-based think tank has recommended that China study the United States Pentagon’s Project Meridian, a recently launched initiative designed to predict future battlefield needs and guide investment in technologies like artificial intelligence and robotics. The analysis suggests China could benefit from understanding how the Pentagon identifies emerging military requirements, particularly in areas such as autonomous systems, directed energy, and biotechnology. However, the report cautions against replicating the project wholesale, specifically highlighting potential conflicts of interest and other weaknesses within the US defence review process. Project Meridian aims to prioritize investment in future warfare technologies, and China may gain valuable insights from its structure and focus. The think tank’s assessment emphasizes that while learning from the US is beneficial, China should tailor its approach to avoid similar drawbacks. This comes as China continues to rapidly modernize its own military capabilities.