Faulty AI Report Nearly Triggered US-China Naval Incident

The US military nearly intercepted a Chinese vessel in the Middle East earlier this year based on a flawed AI-assisted intelligence report, according to CNN, citing four anonymous sources. The operation was called off after officials determined an AI chatbot misidentified the ship's cargo. US intelligence had indicated the vessel was carrying nuclear weapons-related components, prompting American forces to prepare to board it. CNN quoted one source as saying the report was "entirely false" but "almost started a war," though it did not specify the ship's actual cargo or destination. US Central Command did not respond to a request for comment. The report follows separate warnings from Anthropic employees about AI risks, and a Politico report that F-35 jet parts, including a stealth canopy, were diverted to Hong Kong and are now missing.