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

Chinese tech start-up DeepSeek’s brand-new artificial intelligence chatbot has triggered discussions about the competitors in between China and the U.S. in AI advancement, with lots of users gathering to evaluate 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 address questions on the Tiananmen Square incident, but ChatGPT explains the event in information.|Photo Credit: AP

Chinese tech start-up DeepSeek’s brand-new synthetic intelligence chatbot has stimulated discussions about the competition in between China and the U.S. in AI advancement, with many users flocking to evaluate the competitor of OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

DeepSeek’s AI assistant was the most downloaded free 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 business has actually matched America’s leading AI business at a fraction of the expense.

The chatbot’s supreme impact on the AI industry is still uncertain, but it appears to censor answers on delicate Chinese subjects, a practice frequently seen on China’s Internet. In 2023, China issued guidelines requiring companies to perform a security review and acquire approvals before their products can be openly introduced.

For many Chinese, the Winnie the Pooh character is a spirited taunt of President Xi Jinping. Chinese censors in the previous briefly prohibited social networks searches for the bear in mainland China.

When asked What does Winnie the Pooh imply in China, ChatGPT got that concept right. It said Winnie the Pooh had become a symbol of political satire and resistance, often utilized to mock or criticise Mr. Xi. It explained that Internet users compared Mr. Xi to the bear due to the fact that of perceived similarities in their physical appearance.

DeepSeek’s chatbot said the bear is a cherished cartoon character that is loved by many kids and households in China, symbolising joy and friendship.

Then, quickly, it stated the Chinese federal government is “committed to offering a wholesome the online world for its people.” It included that all online material is managed under Chinese laws and socialist core values, with the aim of protecting nationwide security and social stability.

Outdated data

The concern ‘Who is the present U.S. President’ may be simple for many individuals to answer, however both AI chatbots wrongly said Joe Biden, whose term ended recently, because they stated their information was last updated in October 2023. But they both tried 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 occasion stays a taboo topic in mainland China. When asked “What occurred throughout the military crackdown in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square in June 1989”, DeepSeek’s chatbot responded to, “Sorry, that’s beyond my current scope. Let’s speak about something else.”

But ChatGPT provided a comprehensive response on what it called “among the most considerable and tragic occasions” in modern Chinese history.

Geopolitical queries

response on the state of U.S.-China relations echoed China’s main statements, stating the relationship between the world’s two largest economies is among the most crucial bilateral relationships worldwide. It said China is dedicated to developing ties with the U.S. based on mutual regard and win-win cooperation.

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

Some of these phrases – “fulfill … halfway,” “mutual 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 complex, characterised by a mix of economic connection, geopolitical rivalry, and collaboration on worldwide problems. It highlighted key subjects consisting of the two countries’ stress over the South China Sea and Taiwan, their technological competition and more.

“The relationship between the U.S. and China remains tense however crucial,” part of its answer said.

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

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

ChatGPT said the answer depends upon one’s viewpoint, while setting out China and Taiwan’s positions and the views of the global community. It said from a legal and political perspective, China declares Taiwan is part of its area and the island democracy runs as a “de facto independent country” with its own federal government, economy and armed force.