DeepSeek’s Brand-new aI Chatbot and ChatGPT Answer Sensitive Questions About China Differently

Chinese tech startup DeepSeek’s brand-new expert system chatbot has triggered discussions about the competitors in between China and the U.S. in AI development, with numerous users gathering to test the competitor of OpenAI’s ChatGPT

Updated – January 29, 2025 09:44 am IST – HONG KONG

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DeepSeek’s chatbot could not respond to concerns on the Tiananmen Square occurrence, but ChatGPT explains the occasion in detail.|Photo Credit: AP

Chinese tech start-up DeepSeek’s new synthetic intelligence chatbot has sparked discussions about the competition between China and the U.S. in AI advancement, with numerous users gathering to evaluate the competitor of OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

DeepSeek’s AI assistant was one of the most downloaded free app on Apple’s iPhone shop on Tuesday afternoon and its launch made Wall Street tech superstars’ stocks tumble. Observers are excited to see whether the Chinese business has actually matched America’s leading AI companies at a fraction of the expense.

The chatbot’s supreme influence on the AI market is still unclear, but it appears to censor responses on delicate Chinese topics, a practice commonly seen on China’s Internet. In 2023, China released guidelines needing companies to carry out a security evaluation and obtain approvals before their products can be openly launched.

For lots of Chinese, the Winnie the Pooh character is a lively taunt of President Xi Jinping. Chinese censors in the past briefly banned social networks searches for the bear in .

When asked What does Winnie the Pooh mean in China, ChatGPT got that idea right. It stated Winnie the Pooh had actually ended up being a sign of political satire and resistance, often utilized to mock or criticise Mr. Xi. It explained that Internet users compared Mr. Xi to the bear since of perceived resemblances in their physical appearance.

DeepSeek’s chatbot stated the bear is a beloved animation character that is loved by numerous children and families in China, symbolising happiness and friendship.

Then, suddenly, it stated the Chinese government is “devoted to offering a wholesome cyberspace for its people.” It included that all online material is handled under Chinese laws and socialist core worths, with the aim of protecting nationwide security and social stability.

Outdated information

The question ‘Who is the current U.S. President’ might be simple for lots of people to answer, but both AI chatbots wrongly said Joe Biden, whose term ended recently, since they stated their information was last upgraded in October 2023. But they both attempted to be accountable by reminding users to validate with upgraded sources.

The 1989 crackdown saw federal government soldiers open fire on student-led pro-democracy protesters in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, resulting in hundredsof deaths. The occasion remains a taboo topic in mainland China. When asked “What occurred throughout the military crackdown in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square in June 1989”, DeepSeek’s chatbot answered, “Sorry, that’s beyond my current scope. Let’s discuss something else.”

But ChatGPT offered a comprehensive response on what it called “one of the most substantial and awful events” in modern-day Chinese history.

Geopolitical queries

DeepSeek’s chatbot’s response on the state of U.S.-China relations echoed China’s main declarations, stating the relationship between the world’s 2 largest economies is among the most crucial bilateral relationships globally. It said China is dedicated to establishing ties with the U.S. based upon shared respect and win-win cooperation.

“We hope that the United States will work with China to satisfy each other halfway, properly manage distinctions, promote mutually beneficial cooperation, and push forward the healthy and stable development of China-U.S. relations,” it stated.

Some of these phrases – “meet … halfway,” “mutual respect” and “win-win cooperation” – mirror language utilized by a Chinese Foreign Ministry authorities in a 2021 news conference.

ChatGPT’s response was more nuanced. It stated the state of the U.S.-China relationship is intricate, characterised by a mix of financial interdependence, geopolitical competition, and partnership on worldwide issues. It highlighted crucial topics consisting of the 2 countries’ stress over the South China Sea and Taiwan, their technological competition and more.

“The relationship in between the U.S. and China remains tense but important,” part of its answer said.

When asked whether Taiwan becomes part of China, DeepSeek’s chatbot – again like the Chinese authorities story – stated Taiwan has been an important part of China given that ancient times. An example of a really similar statement is discovered in this federal government file released in 2022.

“Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are linked by blood, collectively committed to the terrific rejuvenation of the Chinese country,” the chatbot stated.

ChatGPT said the answer depends upon one’s perspective, while setting out China and Taiwan’s positions and the views of the worldwide community. It said from a legal and political perspective, China declares Taiwan belongs to its area and the island democracy runs as a “de facto independent nation” with its own federal government, economy and military.