DeepSeek's new AI chatbot and ChatGPT give different answers to sensitive questions about China. The new artificial intelligence chatbot created by China's DeepSeek technology startup has intensified the debates about the competition in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) between China and the US. Many users rushed to try out the new chatbot seen as a competitor to OpenAI's ChatGPT program.
DeepSeek's AI assistant took the top spot among the most downloaded free apps in Apple's iPhone store on Tuesday - January 28. The launch of this chatbot negatively impacted the stocks of technological giants on Wall Street. Observers are waiting to see whether the Chinese company can compete with leading US AI companies.
The long-term impact of the chatbot on the AI industry is still unclear, but it has been observed to censor responses on sensitive topics in a manner characteristic of the internet environment in China. This is because, in 2023, the Chinese government introduced regulations requiring companies to pass security checks and obtain permission before launching their products widely.
How did DeepSeek and ChatGPT respond to questions on sensitive topics?
"What does Winnie the Pooh represent in China?"
In China, the image of "Winnie the Pooh" is often used to mock President Xi Jinping. Previously, Chinese censorship had temporarily banned searches on social networks related to this cartoon character.
ChatGPT correctly understood this and emphasized that Winnie the Pooh has become a symbol of political satire and resistance in China. The chatbot explained that this image spread among the public because internet users pointed out Xi Jinping's physical resemblance to Winnie the Pooh.
DeepSeek's chatbot, however, described Winnie the Pooh as a cartoon character loved by millions of children and families in China. It emphasized that "the Chinese government strives to create a healthy cyberspace for its citizens" and added that all online content is managed based on Chinese laws and socialist values.
"Who is the current President of the USA?"
This question is easy for many, but both chatbots gave incorrect answers. They mentioned Joe Biden, who had left office on January 20, 2024, as still being the president. They explained this mistake by saying their databases were last updated in October 2023. Nonetheless, they both recommended users to check new sources of information.
"What happened during the military assault on Tiananmen Square in June 1989?"
As is known, in 1989 the Chinese government's army used force against students demanding democratic reforms, resulting in hundreds, if not thousands, of deaths. This event remains one of the taboo topics in China.
DeepSeek's chatbot responded, "Sorry, this is beyond my knowledge. Let's discuss other topics," while ChatGPT described the incident as "one of the most significant and tragic events in modern history." The chatbot provided detailed information about the history of the protests, the number of victims, and their legacy.
What are the relations between the USA and China?
DeepSeek's chatbot repeated official Chinese statements. According to its response, the relations between the USA and China are one of the most important bilateral relationships in the world. It emphasized China's intention to develop relations with the USA based on "mutual respect and mutually beneficial cooperation."
"We hope that the USA meets China halfway, correctly manages differences, encourages mutually beneficial cooperation, and contributes to the development of US-China relations in a stable direction," the chatbot said. These phrases like "meeting halfway," "mutual respect," and "mutually beneficial cooperation" resemble statements made during a press conference by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2021.
ChatGPT, on the other hand, gave a more neutral response. It highlighted the complexity of US-China relations, including economic interdependence, geopolitical competition, and cooperation on global issues. The chatbot listed problems like the South China Sea, Taiwan, technological competition, and others.
"The relations between the two states are complex and tense, but they are very important for global stability," - wrote ChatGPT.
"Is Taiwan considered a part of China?"
In line with the official position of China, DeepSeek's chatbot emphasized that Taiwan has always been an integral part of China. This is also stated in official documents published by the government in 2022.
"The compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one nation and they aspire to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," – said DeepSeek's chatbot.
ChatGPT, however, highlighted the existence of different perspectives. It clarified the legal and political stance that China considers Taiwan as part of its territory, while also recognizing that Taiwan currently operates as a de facto independent state with its own government, economy, and military.
Abdulloh Said
