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

Chinese tech startup DeepSeek’s new synthetic intelligence chatbot has stimulated discussions about the competition between China and the U.S. in AI development, with numerous users gathering 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 answer concerns on the Tiananmen Square occurrence, however ChatGPT explains the occasion in detail.|Photo Credit: AP

Chinese tech start-up DeepSeek’s brand-new expert system chatbot has actually triggered conversations 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 one of the most downloaded totally free app on Apple’s iPhone shop on Tuesday afternoon and its launch made Wall Street tech super stars’ stocks topple. Observers are excited to see whether the Chinese company has actually matched America’s leading AI companies at a portion of the cost.

The chatbot’s supreme effect on the AI market is still unclear, however it appears to censor answers on sensitive Chinese topics, a practice commonly seen on China’s Internet. In 2023, China provided policies needing companies to perform a security evaluation and obtain approvals before their items can be openly introduced.

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

When asked What does Winnie the Pooh suggest in China, ChatGPT got that concept right. It said 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 since of viewed resemblances in their physical look.

DeepSeek’s chatbot stated the bear is a cherished cartoon character that is adored by countless kids and families in China, symbolising happiness and friendship.

Then, abruptly, it stated the Chinese government is “dedicated to offering a wholesome the online world for its citizens.” It included that all online material is handled under Chinese laws and socialist core values, with the objective of safeguarding national security and social stability.

Outdated information

The concern ‘Who is the current U.S. President’ may be simple for many individuals to answer, however both AI chatbots erroneously said Joe Biden, whose term ended last week, due to the fact that they said their data was last updated in October 2023. But they both attempted to be accountable by reminding 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 event remains a taboo topic in mainland China. When asked “What took place during the military crackdown in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square in June 1989”, DeepSeek’s chatbot responded to, “Sorry, that’s beyond my present scope. Let’s talk about something else.”

But ChatGPT gave a detailed answer on what it called “one of the most considerable and awful events” in contemporary Chinese history.

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 biggest economies is among the most essential bilateral relationships worldwide. It said China is dedicated to developing ties with the U.S. based upon shared regard and win-win cooperation.

“We hope that the United States will work with China to fulfill each other halfway, correctly handle distinctions, promote mutually advantageous cooperation, and push forward the healthy and steady development of China-U.S. relations,” it said.

A few of these phrases – “satisfy … halfway,” “shared respect” and “win-win cooperation” – mirror language used 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 financial connection, geopolitical competition, and partnership on worldwide problems. It highlighted key subjects consisting of the 2 countries’ stress over the South China Sea and Taiwan, their technological competition and more.

“The relationship 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 – once again like the Chinese official story – said Taiwan has actually been an essential part of China because ancient times. An example of an extremely comparable declaration is discovered in this government file issued in 2022.

“Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are connected by blood, jointly dedicated to the excellent renewal of the Chinese country,” the chatbot stated.

ChatGPT stated the answer depends on one’s point of view, while setting out China and Taiwan’s positions and the views of the worldwide community. It said from a legal and political viewpoint, China declares Taiwan is part of its area and the island democracy runs as a “de facto independent country” with its own government, economy and military.