China has significantly escalated its use of artificial intelligence (AI) to conduct cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns targeting the United States, according to a recent Microsoft report. In July 2025 alone, over 200 instances of AI-generated fake content were detected more than double the number recorded in July 2024 and over ten times the number in 2023. These AI-driven attacks include deepfake videos of U.S. officials, fabricated news articles, and impersonation of American identities to infiltrate organizations, demonstrating a worrying increase in sophistication and scale.

The attacks have also targeted critical infrastructure and government-linked sectors. A notable breach at U.S.-based cybersecurity firm F5, allegedly carried out by Chinese state-linked hackers, lasted at least 12 months, underscoring the long-term implications for national cybersecurity despite the company claiming minimal operational impact. Similarly, Taiwan has reported an average of 2.8 million cyber intrusion attempts daily in 2025 a 17% rise from the previous year aimed at defense, energy, telecommunications, and healthcare systems, accompanied by widespread misinformation campaigns via over 10,000 social media accounts promoting pro-China narratives.

Experts warn that China’s AI-assisted cyber capabilities are advancing faster than the U.S.’s defensive measures, creating a critical gap in national security preparedness. The use of AI not only amplifies the volume of attacks but also makes them harder to detect and counter, heightening risks of espionage, disruption, and erosion of public trust in digital systems. Analysts argue that the United States must urgently invest in advanced cybersecurity infrastructure, AI detection tools, and international collaboration to mitigate the growing threat. Without swift action, Chinese AI-driven cyber operations could compromise sensitive information, critical infrastructure, and broader national security, marking a dangerous evolution in modern digital warfare. 

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