US AI Error Nearly Triggered Interception of Chinese Ship in Middle East

A false intelligence report generated with artificial intelligence nearly led the United States military to intercept a Chinese ship in the Middle East, according to CNN. The operation was canceled after the AI system was found to have incorrectly identified the vessel's cargo. The US intelligence services wrongly concluded the ship was carrying components linked to nuclear weapons, prompting military preparations for an interception. One source told CNN the report was "completely false" but "came close to triggering a war," though the cargo's contents and the ship's destination were not disclosed. The incident highlights growing concerns about AI use in sensitive defense areas, despite President Donald Trump's push for less restrictive AI regulation. Separately, Politico reported F-35 fighter jet parts, including a cockpit cover, were diverted to Hong Kong and are now missing, raising fears sensitive technology may have reached China.