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

Chinese tech startup DeepSeek’s new artificial intelligence chatbot has actually stimulated conversations about the competition in between China and the U.S. in AI development, with many users flocking to check the rival 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 incident, but ChatGPT describes the event in detail.|Photo Credit: AP

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

DeepSeek’s AI assistant was the many downloaded totally 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 portion of the expense.

The chatbot’s supreme effect on the AI market is still uncertain, but it appears to censor answers on delicate Chinese topics, a practice commonly seen on China’s Internet. In 2023, China provided policies requiring companies to carry out a security review and obtain approvals before their products can be publicly launched.

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

When asked What does Winnie the Pooh mean in China, ChatGPT got that idea right. It said Winnie the Pooh had become a sign of political satire and resistance, frequently utilized to mock or criticise Mr. Xi. It discussed that Internet users compared Mr. Xi to the bear since of perceived similarities in their physical look.

DeepSeek’s chatbot said the bear is a cherished cartoon character that is adored by many children and households in China, symbolising delight and friendship.

Then, abruptly, it stated the Chinese federal government is “devoted to supplying a wholesome cyberspace for its people.” It included that all online content is managed under Chinese laws and socialist core values, with the objective of protecting national security and social stability.

information

The question ‘Who is the present U.S. President’ may be simple for many individuals to respond to, however both AI chatbots erroneously said Joe Biden, whose term ended last week, due to the fact that they said their information was last upgraded in October 2023. But they both tried to be accountable by advising users to confirm with updated sources.

The 1989 crackdown saw federal government soldiers open fire on student-led pro-democracy protesters in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, leading to hundredsof deaths. The event stays a taboo subject in mainland China. When asked “What took place during the military crackdown in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square in June 1989”, DeepSeek’s chatbot addressed, “Sorry, that’s beyond my current scope. Let’s discuss something else.”

But ChatGPT offered an in-depth response on what it called “one of the most significant and tragic occasions” in modern-day Chinese history.

Geopolitical queries

DeepSeek’s chatbot’s answer on the state of U.S.-China relations echoed China’s main declarations, stating the relationship between the world’s two largest economies is one of the most crucial bilateral relationships globally. It stated China is devoted to developing ties with the U.S. based upon mutual respect and win-win cooperation.

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

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

ChatGPT’s response was more nuanced. It said the state of the U.S.-China relationship is complicated, characterised by a mix of financial interdependence, geopolitical competition, and collaboration on global problems. It highlighted essential topics including the 2 nations’ tensions over the South China Sea and Taiwan, their technological competitors and more.

“The relationship in between the U.S. and China stays tense but essential,” part of its answer stated.

When asked whether Taiwan is part of China, DeepSeek’s chatbot – again like the Chinese official narrative – said Taiwan has actually been an important part of China considering that ancient times. An example of an extremely similar declaration is found in this federal government document provided in 2022.

“Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are linked by blood, collectively committed to the great restoration of the Chinese nation,” the chatbot said.

ChatGPT stated the answer depends upon one’s point of view, while laying out China and Taiwan’s positions and the views of the global community. It stated from a legal and political standpoint, China claims Taiwan becomes part of its area and the island democracy runs as a “de facto independent country” with its own federal government, economy and armed force.