China’s AI industry has once again made global headlines, this time with DeepSeek, a chatbot that has ignited debates in the United States over its advanced capabilities and the potential risks it poses. While DeepSeek has impressed industry experts with its performance, its refusal to engage with politically sensitive topics has raised concerns about censorship and Beijing’s grip over artificial intelligence.
AI With Limits: Censorship Concerns Grow
DeepSeek has repeatedly declined to answer questions about key geopolitical issues, including the Tiananmen Square massacre and China’s territorial disputes. When asked about the 1989 pro-democracy protests in Beijing, the chatbot simply responded, “I am sorry, I cannot answer that question. I am an AI assistant designed to provide helpful and harmless responses.” Similarly, it avoided discussing China’s claim over Arunachal Pradesh, saying, “Sorry, that’s beyond my current scope. Let’s talk about something else.”
This strict avoidance of politically sensitive topics has fueled speculation that DeepSeek is operating under China’s rigid internet regulations, which mandate AI models to align with government-approved narratives. Reports indicate that DeepSeek’s responses are carefully curated to steer clear of discussions on Taiwan, Tibet, and China’s human rights record.
Ross Burley, co-founder of the Centre for Information Resilience, cautioned that Beijing has a history of “weaponizing its tech dominance for surveillance, control, and coercion,” and warned that DeepSeek could be a new instrument in China’s strategy to manipulate digital discourse.
A Technological Rival to the US?
Despite these concerns, DeepSeek’s technological prowess has sent shockwaves through Silicon Valley and Wall Street. Its capabilities have led to speculation that China may be closing the AI gap with the US—perhaps even surpassing American advancements in artificial intelligence.
One of the most controversial aspects of DeepSeek’s rise is the claim that its technology may have been derived from OpenAI’s ChatGPT. US-based AI firms, including OpenAI, have accused Chinese companies of using a technique called distillation to replicate their models—essentially compressing knowledge from existing AI systems into new models. OpenAI’s spokesperson told AFP that China-based firms are “constantly trying to distill the models of leading US AI companies.”
David Sacks, the newly appointed AI czar under the Trump administration, echoed these concerns. Speaking to Fox News, he claimed there was “substantial evidence” that DeepSeek had leveraged OpenAI’s technology to build its model.
Adding to the controversy is DeepSeek’s ability to develop a highly competitive AI system at a fraction of the cost. While OpenAI reportedly invested $1 billion in training ChatGPT, DeepSeek claims to have achieved similar results with a mere $5.6 million. This stark difference has raised eyebrows in Washington, prompting fresh concerns over China’s ability to innovate despite US-led chip restrictions.
A “Wake-Up Call” for the US
Former US President Donald Trump weighed in on the issue, calling DeepSeek’s emergence a “wake-up call” for American tech companies. Speaking at a Republican congressional retreat, Trump warned that China’s rapid advancements in AI pose a direct challenge to US dominance in the field. “Hopefully, the release of DeepSeek AI from a Chinese company should be a wake-up call for our industries that we need to be laser-focused on competing to win,” he said.
A Trojan Horse for Beijing?
Beyond competition fears, some analysts believe DeepSeek could serve as a digital Trojan horse—subtly collecting user data while reinforcing Chinese state narratives. Concerns persist that the chatbot’s refusal to engage with politically sensitive topics is not merely a case of internal programming but part of a broader strategy to control the flow of information.
As DeepSeek continues to gain prominence, questions linger over the role China’s government plays in its AI development. Whether it represents a legitimate technological breakthrough or a tool for state propaganda and surveillance remains a matter of fierce debate. For now, DeepSeek’s rise underscores the growing battle between the US and China—not just over artificial intelligence, but over the future of global information control.