Scientists linked to military technology and AI unexpectedly die in China

Several Chinese scientists, who made important discoveries in the military, medical and artificial intelligence fields have died suddenly, the South China Morning Post reported on Tuesday, April 15.

The publication says that several scientists died due to accidents or illnesses at the height of their power and in conditions where China and the United States are in a technological confrontation.

"While China has a growing talent pool in the field of artificial intelligence and its own success stories, the country has also lost several leading figures in a key sector. The early deaths of these experts - due to accidents or illnesses - have raised concerns about the personal safety of workers in the field and the stressful research environment they face," the material says.

In particular, in 2022, Sun Jian, a 45-year-old computer vision expert and chief scientist at Beijing-based Megvii Technology, died of a sudden illness. In 2023, Feng Yanghe, a 38-year-old colonel and researcher in war games and AI planning, died while on an "important mission."

Chinese scientist Liu Shaoshan said that while artificial intelligence researchers can earn huge salaries, they are also under great pressure.

As Ukrainian News Agency earlier reported, on April 9, US President Donald Trump increased tariffs for China to 125%.