US expert discussed the possibility of striking Chinese data centers
Jacob Stokes, an expert at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) in the US, analyzed the measures Washington could take in a hypothetical scenario where China is the first to develop artificial general intelligence (AGI). Among them, a scenario of cyberattacks and strikes with conventional weapons on data centers in China was also mentioned.
US expert discussed the possibility of striking Chinese data centers
Jacob Stokes raises this issue in the Superpowers and AGI report published on August 27, 2026. The document analyzes how the emergence of artificial general intelligence could affect the competition between the US and China.
The author does not predict in the report when or if AGI will be created at all. Rather, a conditional scenario where the emergence of such technology is approaching or already exists is adopted for the analysis.
AGI generally refers to artificial general intelligence capable of performing at a human level in various tasks. However, there is no single scientific consensus on when such systems will be created or whether they are achievable.
Stokes writes that in the event that China is the first to create AGI, the US may face the issue of considering drastic measures. This includes cyberattacks and the scenario of striking data centers, where the computing power necessary for the operation of artificial intelligence systems is located, with conventional weapons.
The author also notes that such military action poses a risk of sharp escalation in US-China relations. Therefore, rather than a call to implement such a measure, the report is aimed at analyzing in advance the dangerous scenarios that policymakers may face in the event of the emergence of AGI.
Stokes is currently a senior fellow and deputy director of the Indo-Pacific Security Program at CNAS. He previously worked in the White House national security apparatus during Joe Biden's tenure as US Vice President.
The report also notes that the US or China being the first to create AGI does not in itself guarantee geopolitical dominance. According to the author, in order to translate technological capability into economic and political influence, the ability to apply it effectively in practice is also required.