HONG KONG (AP) – Chinese tech startup DeepSeek has launched a new artificial intelligence chatbot that is igniting discussions regarding the ongoing competition in AI development between China and the United States. Users worldwide are reportedly flocking to test this emerging rival to OpenAI's ChatGPT. The DeepSeek AI assistant quickly became the most downloaded free app on Apple’s iPhone store by Tuesday afternoon, further impacting Wall Street's technology stocks, drawing attention to the performance and potential of Chinese AI initiatives at a fraction of the cost of their American counterparts.
While the full effects of DeepSeek's chatbot on the AI landscape are still uncertain, the application notably retains characteristics typical of internet operations within China, including the censorship of responses on sensitive topics. In 2023, the Chinese government established strict regulations mandating security reviews and approvals before any AI products could be launched publicly, reflecting the broader context of internet governance in China.
In a direct comparison, The Associated Press conducted tests by posing various questions to both DeepSeek's chatbot and ChatGPT, revealing significant differences in their responses. When asked about the cultural meaning of Winnie the Pooh in China, ChatGPT accurately indicated that the character has become a symbol of political satire aimed at President Xi Jinping due to perceived physical similarities. This reference has led to censorship within China; social media searches for the character have been banned at times in mainland China. Conversely, DeepSeek's chatbot focused on the bear as a beloved character adored by children, concluding with a statement that emphasized the government's intent to create a wholesome online space and adhere to Chinese laws aimed at maintaining national security.
In following questions, both chatbots failed to correctly identify the current U.S. president due to data being outdated up to October 2023. They mistakenly cited Joe Biden, emphasizing the need for users to consult updated sources. When queried about the Tiananmen Square protests from June 1989, DeepSeek's chatbot dodged the topic, saying, "Sorry, that's beyond my current scope. Let's talk about something else," while ChatGPT provided a detailed historical perspective, describing the tragic events and their significance in modern Chinese history.
Questions regarding U.S.-China relations further illustrated the disparity in responses. DeepSeek's chatbot echoed the Chinese government’s official narrative, emphasizing mutual respect and cooperation in developing ties between the two nations. It expressed hopes for collaborative efforts to manage differences and foster stable relations. In stark contrast, ChatGPT provided a nuanced understanding, addressing the complexities of the relationship characterized by economic interdependence and geopolitical rivalry. It highlighted critical issues such as tensions over Taiwan and the South China Sea, defining the relationship as both tense and vital.
The contentious issue of Taiwan was another question where responses diverged significantly. DeepSeek's chatbot aligned with the Chinese perspective, reiterating that Taiwan has been an integral part of the nation since ancient times. It made a statement about the connection of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, framing the narrative around national unity. ChatGPT, however, presented a more balanced view, stating that opinions on Taiwan's status vary widely, reflecting both China’s claims and Taiwan’s operation as a de facto independent entity with its government and military.
This examination of responses reveals how AI development in China is intertwined with governmental narratives and censorship practices, distinguishing it from the more open discourse observed in the West. As competition in AI technology intensifies, the implications of DeepSeek’s chatbot and its alignment with state interests show the challenges and considerations in the evolving landscape of international AI discourse and development.
