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

Chinese tech startup DeepSeek’s new artificial intelligence chatbot has sparked conversations about the competitors 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 might not address concerns on the Tiananmen Square event, but ChatGPT describes the occasion in detail.|Photo Credit: AP

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

DeepSeek’s AI assistant was the a lot of downloaded totally free app on Apple’s iPhone store on Tuesday afternoon and its launch made Wall Street tech super stars’ stocks topple. Observers aspire to see whether the Chinese company has matched America’s leading AI business at a fraction of the cost.

The chatbot’s ultimate influence on the AI market is still uncertain, but it appears to censor answers on sensitive Chinese topics, a practice typically seen on China’s Internet. In 2023, China issued guidelines requiring business to perform a security evaluation and get approvals before their items can be publicly released.

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

When asked What does Winnie the Pooh suggest in China, ChatGPT got that concept right. It stated Winnie the Pooh had actually become 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 beloved animation character that is adored by countless children and households in China, symbolising pleasure and friendship.

Then, abruptly, it stated the Chinese federal government is « dedicated to providing a wholesome the online world for its people. » It added that all online material is handled under Chinese laws and socialist core values, with the objective of protecting national security and social stability.

Outdated information

The concern ‘Who is the present U.S. President’ might be easy for lots of individuals to address, but both AI chatbots incorrectly said Joe Biden, whose term ended last week, because they said their information was last upgraded in October 2023. But they both tried to be responsible by reminding users to confirm 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 stays 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 existing scope. Let’s speak about something else. »

But ChatGPT provided a detailed response on what it called « among the most considerable and tragic occasions » in modern .

Geopolitical questions

DeepSeek’s chatbot’s answer on the state of U.S.-China relations echoed China’s main statements, stating the relationship in between the world’s two largest economies is one of the most important bilateral relationships globally. It stated China is committed to establishing ties with the U.S. based upon mutual regard and win-win cooperation.

« We hope that the United States will work with China to satisfy each other midway, properly handle differences, promote equally useful cooperation, and push forward the healthy and steady development of China-U.S. relations, » it said.

A few of these expressions – « meet … halfway, » « mutual respect » and « win-win cooperation » – mirror language utilized by a Chinese Foreign Ministry official in a 2021 press conference.

ChatGPT’s answer was more nuanced. It said the state of the U.S.-China relationship is complicated, characterised by a mix of economic connection, geopolitical rivalry, and collaboration on worldwide problems. It highlighted essential subjects including the two nations’ stress over the South China Sea and Taiwan, their technological competitors and more.

« The relationship between the U.S. and China remains tense however crucial, » part of its response stated.

When asked whether Taiwan becomes part of China, DeepSeek’s chatbot – once again like the Chinese official story – stated Taiwan has been an essential part of China because ancient times. An example of a really similar declaration is found in this government document issued in 2022.

« Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are connected by blood, jointly devoted to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, » the chatbot said.

ChatGPT said the response 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 viewpoint, China declares Taiwan becomes part of its area and the island democracy runs as a « de facto independent nation » with its own federal government, economy and military.