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

Chinese tech start-up DeepSeek’s new expert system chatbot has stimulated conversations about the competition in between China and the U.S. in AI development, with many users flocking to evaluate the rival of OpenAI’s ChatGPT

Updated – January 29, 2025 09:44 am IST – HONG KONG

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DeepSeek’s chatbot could not address concerns on the Tiananmen Square occurrence, however ChatGPT explains the event in information.|Photo Credit: AP

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

DeepSeek’s AI assistant was one of the most downloaded complimentary app on Apple’s iPhone store 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 companies at a fraction of the cost.

The chatbot’s supreme effect on the AI market is still uncertain, however it appears to censor answers on sensitive Chinese topics, a practice commonly seen on China’s Internet. In 2023, China released policies needing business to conduct a security review and get approvals before their products can be openly launched.

For numerous Chinese, the Winnie the Pooh character is a playful 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 mean in China, ChatGPT got that idea right. It stated Winnie the Pooh had actually become a symbol of political satire and resistance, typically used to mock or criticise Mr. Xi. It described that Internet users compared Mr. Xi to the bear since of perceived similarities in their physical appearance.

DeepSeek’s chatbot stated the bear is a cherished cartoon character that is loved by countless children and households in China, symbolising pleasure and relationship.

Then, suddenly, it stated the Chinese federal is “committed to providing a wholesome cyberspace for its citizens.” It added that all online content is handled under Chinese laws and socialist core worths, with the goal of securing nationwide security and social stability.

Outdated information

The concern ‘Who is the current U.S. President’ may be easy for lots of people to address, however both AI chatbots erroneously said Joe Biden, whose term ended last week, due to the fact that they stated their information was last upgraded in October 2023. But they both attempted to be accountable by reminding users to verify with updated 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 happened 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 talk about something else.”

But ChatGPT gave a comprehensive response on what it called “among the most substantial and awful occasions” in modern Chinese history.

Geopolitical queries

DeepSeek’s chatbot’s response on the state of U.S.-China relations echoed China’s main declarations, saying the relationship between the world’s two largest economies is among the most important bilateral relationships worldwide. It said China is devoted to establishing ties with the U.S. based on shared regard and win-win cooperation.

“We hope that the United States will deal with China to meet each other midway, effectively handle differences, promote equally helpful cooperation, and push forward the healthy and steady development of China-U.S. relations,” it stated.

A few of these phrases – “fulfill … midway,” “shared regard” and “win-win cooperation” – mirror language utilized by a Chinese Foreign Ministry authorities in a 2021 news conference.

ChatGPT’s answer was more nuanced. It stated the state of the U.S.-China relationship is intricate, characterised by a mix of financial interdependence, geopolitical rivalry, and collaboration on worldwide issues. It highlighted essential subjects consisting of the two countries’ stress over the South China Sea and Taiwan, their technological competitors and more.

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

When asked whether Taiwan is part of China, DeepSeek’s chatbot – once again like the Chinese authorities narrative – said Taiwan has been an essential part of China given that ancient times. An example of an extremely comparable statement is found in this federal government document issued in 2022.

“Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are connected by blood, collectively devoted to the fantastic rejuvenation of the Chinese country,” the chatbot stated.

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