Beijing making genetically enhanced troops, says US

China’s race to produce a genetically perfected warrior aided by advanced bionic technologies has caused alarm in the West.

Chinese soldiers applaud during a military parade at a training base. ‘Advanced medical technology … can manipulate genes to enhance human performance.’ Picture: STR/AFP

China’s race to produce the super-soldier, a genetically perfected warrior aided by advanced bionic technologies, has caused alarm in the West.

The concept of man and machine working more intimately together has been around for some time, but according to America’s top intelligence chief the Chinese are going further than others have imagined.

“China has even conducted human testing on members of the People’s Liberation Army in hope of developing soldiers with biologically enhanced capabilities,” John Ratcliffe, director of US national intelligence, wrote in The Wall Street Journal.

He is thought to have been referring to advanced medical technology that can manipulate genes to enhance human performance.

The technique, known as Crispr, has huge potential for correcting genetic defects, but its use for creating a super-soldier veers more towards science fiction.

Mr Ratcliffe did not spell out exactly what he thought the Chinese experiments had involved, but China is known to be engaged in experiments to boost the efficiency of soldiers in battle.

China has tested a carbon-fibre exoskeleton, which reduces strain on the body in high-exertion environments.

The first exoskeletons were delivered last month by the state-owned China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation.

They weigh about 4kg (9lb) and can save 5 to 10 per cent of a soldier’s energy spent walking, climbing and carrying equipment. They may be used by Chinese border troops in the Himalayas, Jane’s Defence Weekly said.

The Pentagon is also researching exoskeleton technologies for military use, and developing ways to improve the interface between human and robot.

Helmets could stimulate the brain to learn new skills more quickly and to relay a soldier’s thoughts.

The Times

China President Xi Jinping stands on a military jeep as he inspects troops of the People's Liberation Army during a parade in 2017. Picture: Xinhua via AP

Visiting China President Xi Jinping inspects an Australian guard of honour at a ceremonial welcome at Government House in Canberra in 2014. Picture: Ray Strange