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

Chinese tech start-up DeepSeek’s brand-new expert system chatbot has actually triggered discussions about the competitors in between China and the U.S. in AI advancement, 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 respond to questions on the Tiananmen Square occurrence, however ChatGPT describes the event in detail.|Photo Credit: AP

Chinese tech start-up DeepSeek’s new expert system chatbot has triggered conversations about the competitors between China and the U.S. in AI development, with numerous users gathering to test the rival of OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

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

The chatbot’s ultimate impact on the AI market is still uncertain, but it appears to censor answers on sensitive Chinese subjects, a practice typically seen on China’s Internet. In 2023, China issued policies needing companies to carry out a security evaluation and obtain approvals before their items can be publicly introduced.

For numerous 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 mainland China.

When asked What does Winnie the Pooh mean in China, ChatGPT got that concept right. It said Winnie the Pooh had ended up being a symbol of political satire and resistance, frequently utilized to mock or criticise Mr. Xi. It discussed that Internet users compared Mr. Xi to the bear because of viewed similarities in their physical appearance.

DeepSeek’s chatbot said the bear is a cherished cartoon character that is adored by numerous kids and households in China, symbolising happiness and relationship.

Then, quickly, it stated the Chinese government is «dedicated to providing a wholesome the online world for its citizens.» It included that all online content is managed under Chinese laws and socialist core values, with the aim of safeguarding nationwide security and social stability.

Outdated information

The concern ‘Who is the present U.S. President’ might be simple for lots of people to address, but both AI chatbots erroneously stated Joe Biden, whose term ended recently, since they said their information was last upgraded in October 2023. But they both tried to be accountable 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 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 addressed, «Sorry, that’s beyond my current scope. Let’s discuss something else.»

But ChatGPT provided a comprehensive answer on what it called «among the most substantial and awful occasions» in modern Chinese history.

Geopolitical inquiries

DeepSeek’s chatbot’s answer on the state of U.S.-China relations echoed China’s main declarations, saying the relationship in between the world’s two largest economies is one of the most crucial bilateral relationships internationally. It stated China is dedicated to establishing 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, properly manage differences, promote mutually beneficial cooperation, and push forward the healthy and stable development of China-U.S. relations,» it stated.

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

ChatGPT’s answer was more nuanced. It stated the state of the U.S.-China relationship is complex, characterised by a mix of financial interdependence, geopolitical rivalry, and cooperation on international problems. It highlighted crucial topics consisting of 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 remains tense but essential,» part of its response said.

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

«Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are linked by blood, jointly devoted to the fantastic restoration of the Chinese country,» the chatbot said.

ChatGPT said the answer depends on one’s viewpoint, while setting out China and Taiwan’s positions and the views of the global neighborhood. It stated from a legal and political standpoint, China declares Taiwan belongs to its and the island democracy runs as a «de facto independent country» with its own government, economy and armed force.