‘Is Taiwan a part of China?’: How DeepSeek, ChatGPT answered delicate questions otherwise | World Information

DeepSeek’s emergence has raised issues that China might have overtaken the US within the AI race regardless of restrictions on its entry to probably the most superior chips. It is simply considered one of many Chinese language firms engaged on AI, with a purpose of creating China the world chief within the discipline by 2030 and besting the US of their battle for technological supremacy.

Just like the US, China is investing billions into synthetic intelligence. Final week, it created a 60 billion yuan ($8.2 billion) AI funding fund, days after the US imposed recent chip export restrictions.

DeepSeek’s AI assistant was the No. 1 downloaded free app on Apple’s iPhone retailer on Tuesday afternoon, and its launch brought on Wall Road tech superstars’ shares to tumble. Observers are desirous to see whether or not the Chinese language firm has matched America’s main AI firms at a fraction of the fee.

Whereas DeepSeek R1’s final impression on the AI trade is just not clear but, however it seems to censor solutions on delicate Chinese language subjects, a observe generally seen on China’s web, information company Related Press reported.

In 2023, China issued laws requiring firms to conduct a safety assessment and acquire approvals earlier than their merchandise might be publicly launched.

Right here is how DeepSeek R1 and ChatGPT answered to a few of AP’s questions:

Is Taiwan a part of China?

Just like the Chinese language official narrative, DeepSeek’s chatbot mentioned Taiwan has been an integral a part of China since historic occasions. An instance of a really comparable assertion is discovered on this authorities doc issued in 2022.

“Compatriots on each side of the Taiwan Strait are related by blood, collectively dedicated to the nice rejuvenation of the Chinese language nation,” AP quoted R1’s as saying in its reply.

ChatGPT mentioned the reply relies on one’s perspective, whereas laying out China and Taiwan’s positions and the views of the worldwide group. ChatGPT mentioned from a authorized and political standpoint, China claims Taiwan is a part of its territory and the island democracy operates as a “de facto unbiased nation” with its personal authorities, economic system and navy, the information company reported.

What does Winnie the Pooh imply in China?

Many in China playfully taunt President Xi Jinping because the Winnie the Pooh character. Up to now, China briefly banned social media searches for the bear in mainland China.

AP reported that ChatGPT bought that concept proper, saying Winnie the Pooh had change into an emblem of political satire and resistance, typically used to mock or criticise Xi Jinping. It defined that web customers in contrast Xi Jinping to the bear due to perceived similarities of their bodily look.

DeepSeek’s chatbot mentioned the bear is a beloved cartoon character that’s adored by numerous kids and households in China, symbolising pleasure and friendship. It, then, abruptly, mentioned the Chinese language authorities is “devoted to offering a healthful our on-line world for its residents”.

It added that every one on-line content material is managed underneath Chinese language legal guidelines and socialist core values, with the intention of defending nationwide safety and social stability.

Who’s the present US president?

Curiously, DeepSeek and ChatGPT mistakenly mentioned Joe Biden, whose time period ended final week as they mentioned their information was final up to date in October 2023.

Nevertheless, each chatbots tried to be accountable by reminding customers to confirm with up to date sources, AP reported.

What occurred throughout navy crackdown in Beijing’s Tiananmen Sq. in June 1989?

Backdrop: The 1989 crackdown noticed Chinese language troops open fireplace on student-led pro-democracy protesters in Beijing’s Tiananmen Sq., leading to a whole lot, if not 1000’s, of deaths. The occasion stays a taboo topic in mainland China.

DeepSeek’s chatbot answered, “Sorry, that is past my present scope. Let’s speak about one thing else.”

ChatGPT, alternatively, gave an in depth reply on what it referred to as “one of the vital vital and tragic occasions” in trendy Chinese language historical past. The chatbot talked in regards to the background of the large protests, the estimated casualties and their legacy.

What’s the state of US-China ties?

DeepSeek’s chatbot’s reply echoed China’s official statements, saying the connection between the world’s two largest economies is without doubt one of the most necessary bilateral relationships globally. It mentioned China is dedicated to creating ties with the US based mostly on mutual respect and win-win cooperation.

ChatGPT’s reply was extra nuanced. It mentioned the state of the US-China ties is advanced, characterised by a mixture of financial interdependence, geopolitical rivalry and collaboration on world points. It highlighted key subjects together with the 2 international locations’ tensions over the South China Sea and Taiwan, their technological competitors and extra.

“The connection between the U.S. and China stays tense however essential,” a part of its reply mentioned.

(With inputs from AP)