Chinese celebrate DeepSeek’s global rise with pride
Many see DeepSeek’s rise as proof of China’s ability to compete globally in AI.
DeepSeek’s AI assistant has surged ahead of competitors, overtaking ChatGPT in downloads on Apple’s App Store. The Chinese startup’s success has raised concerns among US tech firms while sparking national pride in China. Many see it as a symbol of the country’s resilience against Washington’s tech restrictions.
The company’s ability to offer AI services at a lower cost than OpenAI has prompted discussions about the future of US firms like Nvidia and Microsoft. State media and local commentators have celebrated the achievement, with some arguing it proves US containment efforts have failed. A widely shared article from Zhejiang’s provincial media office argued that China can compete on equal footing in technological innovation.
Public sentiment echoes reactions to Huawei’s surprise 2023 smartphone release, which was seen as defying US sanctions. Social media users have expressed pride in DeepSeek’s rise, with many hoping the country’s AI sector will continue advancing. Some view it as evidence of China’s growing strength in AI.
About author
DW Team
The GIP Digital Watch Observatory team, consisting of over 30 digital policy experts from around the world, excels in the fields of research and analysis on digital policy issues. The team is backed by the creative prowess of Creative Lab Diplo and the technical expertise of the Diplo tech team.
