In Beijing on January 30, Chinese bloggers, state media, and local citizens have enthusiastically embraced DeepSeek's global success, viewing the homegrown AI startup's rapid ascent as a signal that China is pushing back against Washington's efforts to rein in its tech industry.
DeepSeek, which introduced a cost-effective AI assistant using minimal data compared to existing services, surpassed its U.S. counterpart ChatGPT in downloads from Apple's App Store, sparking a wave of excitement.
The company's ability to rival OpenAI at a lower cost has raised doubts about the business models and profit margins of leading U.S. AI firms like Nvidia and Microsoft.
In China, the development has stirred hopes that the country can effectively counter Washington's attempts to limit access to advanced semiconductors.
Military analyst Chen Xi commented on WeChat that the situation signifies the failure of U.S. containment efforts against China in the tech sector.
President Donald Trump acknowledged DeepSeek's technology advancement, welcoming the innovation brought by Chinese firms in artificial intelligence.
A statement from Zhejiang's provincial government media office, where DeepSeek is headquartered, emphasized domestic technological achievements and urged a balanced view on China's progress in the tech field.
Likewise, the reaction to DeepSeek mirrors the public response to Huawei's launch of its Mate 60 Pro smartphone amidst U.S. restrictions, highlighting China's resilience in the face of American pressure.
Echoing a similar sentiment, individuals like Chen Jianuo and Leo Li expressed pride in China's advancements in artificial intelligence, foreseeing a positive trajectory for the country's technological landscape.