DeepSeek’s Growth Highlights the Rise of China’s AI Industry, Says Official

DeepSeek, a rising AI startup based in Hangzhou, is being hailed as a symbol of China’s growing prominence in artificial intelligence. According to Lou Qinjian, a spokesperson for China’s parliament, the company’s achievements are “commendable” and reflect the innovation and inclusiveness of the country’s technological development. Lou emphasized that DeepSeek’s success highlights the ability of Chinese firms to compete on the global stage, especially with its open-source approach to AI technology.

The young team behind DeepSeek has drawn attention by creating AI models that significantly undercut the prices of those developed by major competitors like OpenAI. This breakthrough has led to a surge in the company’s influence, particularly in China, where it is strongly supported by local governments and integrated into various tech systems. However, the company’s rapid rise has also sparked controversy internationally, with countries like South Korea and Italy removing its chatbot from national app stores over privacy concerns.

Despite facing resistance in some countries, DeepSeek continues to thrive in its home market. The company’s AI models are seen as a major contribution to the global tech sector, and Lou Qinjian praised the startup for promoting AI’s widespread application and bringing “Chinese wisdom” to the world. This aligns with China’s broader goals of becoming a leader in advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence.

DeepSeek is not slowing down, with plans to accelerate the launch of its next AI model, a successor to its R1 model released in January 2025. The company’s ambitions signal China’s determination to play a central role in shaping the future of AI and technology on a global scale. As the industry continues to evolve, DeepSeek’s progress is set to be a key part of China’s technological ascent.

SOURCE: REUTERS