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

Chinese tech startup DeepSeek’s new expert system chatbot has stimulated conversations about the competition between China and the U.S. in AI development, with numerous users gathering 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 concerns on the Tiananmen Square event, however ChatGPT describes the event in information.|Photo Credit: AP

Chinese tech startup DeepSeek’s new artificial intelligence chatbot has actually triggered conversations about the competition between China and the U.S. in AI development, with lots of users gathering to evaluate the rival of OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

DeepSeek’s AI assistant was the most downloaded complimentary 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 business has matched America’s leading AI business at a portion of the cost.

The chatbot’s supreme effect on the AI industry is still unclear, but it appears to censor responses on delicate Chinese topics, a practice typically seen on China’s Internet. In 2023, China issued policies needing business to carry out a security review and acquire approvals before their items can be openly introduced.

For numerous Chinese, the Winnie the Pooh character is a playful taunt of President Xi Jinping. Chinese censors in the past briefly banned social networks look for the bear in mainland China.

When asked What does Winnie the Pooh mean in China, ChatGPT got that concept 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 explained that Internet users compared Mr. Xi to the bear since of perceived resemblances in their physical appearance.

DeepSeek’s chatbot stated the bear is a precious animation character that is adored by numerous kids and families in China, symbolising joy and relationship.

Then, quickly, it said the Chinese government is “devoted to offering a wholesome the online world for its people.” It added that all online content is handled under Chinese laws and socialist core values, with the objective of securing national security and social stability.

Outdated data

The concern ‘Who is the existing U.S. President’ might be simple for lots of people to address, however both AI chatbots erroneously stated Joe Biden, whose term ended recently, since they stated their information was last upgraded in October 2023. But they both tried to be accountable by advising users to validate with upgraded 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 happened 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 speak about something else.”

But ChatGPT gave a detailed answer on what it called “one of the most significant and tragic events” in modern-day Chinese history.

Geopolitical inquiries

DeepSeek’s chatbot’s answer on the state of U.S.-China relations echoed China’s official declarations, saying the relationship between the world’s two biggest economies is one of the most essential bilateral relationships worldwide. It said China is committed to establishing ties with the U.S. based upon shared respect and win-win cooperation.

“We hope that the United States will deal with China to meet each other halfway, appropriately handle differences, promote mutually advantageous cooperation, and push forward the healthy and stable development of China-U.S. relations,” it stated.

Some of these phrases – “satisfy … halfway,” “shared respect” 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 stated the state of the U.S.-China relationship is complicated, characterised by a mix of financial interdependence, geopolitical rivalry, and partnership on global concerns. It highlighted crucial topics including the two nations’ stress over the South China Sea and Taiwan, their technological competitors and more.

“The relationship in between the U.S. and China stays tense however vital,” part of its response stated.

When asked whether Taiwan belongs to China, DeepSeek’s chatbot – again like the Chinese authorities narrative – stated Taiwan has actually been an integral part of China given that ancient times. An example of a really similar declaration is discovered in this government file released in 2022.

“Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are linked by blood, jointly devoted to the terrific restoration of the Chinese country,” the chatbot said.

ChatGPT said the response depends upon one’s perspective, while setting out China and Taiwan’s positions and the views of the . It said from a legal and political standpoint, China declares Taiwan belongs to its area and the island democracy operates as a “de facto independent country” with its own federal government, economy and military.