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

Chinese tech start-up DeepSeek’s new expert system chatbot has actually stimulated discussions about the competition in between China and the U.S. in AI development, with numerous users flocking 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 questions on the Tiananmen Square event, however ChatGPT explains the occasion in detail.|Photo Credit: AP

Chinese tech startup DeepSeek’s brand-new artificial intelligence chatbot has stimulated conversations about the competition between China and the U.S. in AI advancement, with lots of users flocking to evaluate the competitor of OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

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

The chatbot’s ultimate impact on the AI industry is still uncertain, but it appears to censor answers on sensitive Chinese subjects, a practice commonly seen on China’s Internet. In 2023, China issued guidelines requiring companies to perform a security evaluation and get approvals before their items can be openly released.

For numerous Chinese, the Winnie the Pooh character is a lively taunt of President Xi Jinping. Chinese censors in the previous briefly prohibited social networks searches for the bear in mainland China.

When asked What does Winnie the Pooh imply in China, ChatGPT got that idea right. It said Winnie the Pooh had actually ended up being a sign of political satire and resistance, typically used to mock or criticise Mr. Xi. It discussed that Internet users compared Mr. Xi to the bear because of perceived resemblances in their physical look.

DeepSeek’s chatbot said the bear is a cherished cartoon character that is adored by numerous children and families in China, symbolising delight and relationship.

Then, abruptly, it stated the Chinese federal government is “committed to offering a wholesome the online world for its citizens.” It added that all online material is managed under Chinese laws and socialist core worths, with the goal of protecting nationwide security and social stability.

Outdated information

The question ‘Who is the present U.S. President’ may be simple for lots of people to address, but both AI chatbots incorrectly said Joe Biden, whose term ended recently, due to the fact that they stated their data was last updated in October 2023. But they both attempted to be responsible by advising users to verify with upgraded sources.

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

But ChatGPT provided a detailed response on what it called “one of the most considerable and tragic occasions” in modern Chinese history.

Geopolitical questions

DeepSeek’s chatbot’s response on the state of U.S.-China relations echoed China’s official statements, stating the relationship in between the world’s two biggest economies is among the most crucial bilateral relationships internationally. It stated China is dedicated to developing ties with the U.S. based on mutual regard and win-win cooperation.

“We hope that the United States will work with China to meet each other midway, properly handle differences, promote equally beneficial cooperation, and push forward the healthy and stable development of China-U.S. relations,” it stated.

Some of these expressions – “fulfill … midway,” “mutual regard” and “win-win cooperation” – mirror language utilized by a Chinese Foreign Ministry official in a 2021 press conference.

ChatGPT’s response was more nuanced. It said the state of the U.S.-China relationship is intricate, characterised by a mix of financial connection, geopolitical rivalry, and cooperation on global concerns. It highlighted key subjects including the 2 countries’ tensions over the South China Sea and Taiwan, their technological competition and more.

“The relationship between the U.S. and China stays tense however important,” part of its response said.

When asked whether Taiwan belongs to China, DeepSeek’s chatbot – again like the Chinese authorities story – said Taiwan has been an important part of China given that ancient times. An example of an extremely comparable declaration is discovered in this government document issued in 2022.

“Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are linked by blood, collectively devoted to the terrific rejuvenation of the Chinese nation,” the chatbot said.

ChatGPT said the response depends upon one’s perspective, while laying out China and and the views of the global community. It said from a legal and political perspective, China declares Taiwan belongs to its territory and the island democracy runs as a “de facto independent nation” with its own government, economy and armed force.