AI journey of China is a chapter in human progress

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In recent years, artificial intelligence has emerged as a transformative force, reshaping industries and redefining the global technological landscape. Widely regarded as a cornerstone of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, AI is driving breakthroughs in fields such as healthcare, finance, manufacturing and transportation.

At the forefront of this revolution are some United States-based tech giants such as Nvidia, Google and Intel, whose sustained investments in research and development have so far solidified their leadership in the field. The optimism surrounding AI’s potential has not only fueled technological advancements but also driven a significant increase in the stock prices of relevant companies, galvanizing investors worldwide.

Having said that, the global AI race is not a one-sided game. While the US has long been a dominant player, China has rapidly emerged as a formidable competitor, demonstrating remarkable resilience and innovation in the face of significant challenges. Chief among these challenges is the US’ technology sanctions, which have limited China’s access to advanced semiconductor chips. Everyone knows these high-performance chips are critical for training AI models. Many believed that such restrictions could severely hinder China’s ambitions in this regard. Yet, China’s talent has defied expectations, leveraging independent research, creative engineering and strategic investment to sustain its momentum in AI development.

Faced with a scarcity in advanced computing power because of restrictions on high-performance chips, Chinese engineers have adopted innovative approaches to optimize AI workflows.

Techniques such as model pruning, quantization and knowledge distillation have been employed to reduce the size and complexity of AI models while maintaining high levels of accuracy, enabling Chinese AI to operate efficiently on less-advanced hardware, effectively bypassing the need for top-tier chips.

For instance, DeepSeek has been designed to perform exceptionally well on Nvidia’s H800 chips, which are less powerful than the topnotch H100 chips used by large language models such as ChatGPT.This achievement underscores the ingenuity of Chinese researchers and their ability to adapt to constrained environments.

Another critical aspect of China’s AI strategy has been the development of domestic hardware alternatives. Companies such as Huawei have made significant strides in designing and producing AI-specific chips, such as the Ascend series. While these chips may not yet match the performance of their international counterparts, they are steadily narrowing the gap and providing a viable foundation for China’s AI ambitions. Substantial investments in cloud computing and distributed computing infrastructure, which allow AI models to scale using networks of lower-performance processors, are also essential.

China’s rise as an AI powerhouse is exemplified by its growing portfolio of cutting-edge AI models and technologies. Among these, Deep-Seek has garnered significant attention for its ability to push the boundaries of AI capabilities despite hardware limitations. Alongside other domestic AI models, such as Doubao, Kimi, Wenxin Yiyan and Tongyi Qianwen, they represent China’s determination to forge a unique developmental path in the face of adversity.

The success of DeepSeek and other Chinese AI models highlights the importance of optimizing both hardware and software to achieve breakthroughs in AI. Focusing on algorithmic efficiency and leveraging domestic hardware solutions demonstrate that innovation can thrive even under significant constraints.

DeepSeek stands out as a prime example of China’s innovative capacity in the AI domain. Built on advanced machine learning algorithms and extensive datasets, it excels in natural language processing, image recognition and predictive analytics. Since the release of its third iteration, DeepSeek has gained recognition for its exceptional capabilities, positioning itself as a strong contender against OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

What sets DeepSeek apart is its ability to deliver high performance despite operating on less advanced hardware. This breakthrough not only showcases the technical prowess of Chinese engineers but also serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for innovation in resource-constrained environments.

DeepSeek’s success is not an isolated phenomenon, but rather a reflection of the broader vibrancy of China’s AI ecosystem. Other domestic AI models are also making significant strides in their respective domains. For example, Doubao by ByteDance is widely used in customer service and education; Kimi, a multimodal model, seamlessly integrates texts, images and audio files; Wenxin Yiyan by Baidu rivals ChatGPT in natural language understanding and generation; Tongyi Qianwen by Alibaba delivers tailored solutions for the e-commerce and logistics sectors with strong potential for localization.

These models collectively highlight the strength of China’s AI industry and its ability to cater to the specific needs of domestic industries and consumers. Moreover, they underscore the importance of fostering a diverse and competitive AI ecosystem that can drive innovation on a global scale.

China’s AI advancements are not confined to its borders, as they are increasingly making an impact on the global stage. Chinese AI technologies are expanding into markets in the Global South, where they are being integrated into healthcare, agriculture and education. By addressing local challenges and providing scalable solutions, these technologies are helping to bridge the digital divide and promote sustainable development.

The growing influence of Chinese AI also highlights the interconnectedness of global technological development. As China continues to innovate and overcome hardware constraints, it is expected to challenge the dominance of US artificial intelligence models and companies soon, fostering a more diverse, open, inclusive and fair competitive global AI ecosystem. This healthy competition is not only driving innovation but also accelerating technological progress, ultimately benefiting industries and consumers worldwide. That will ensure AI technologies serve as a shared resource, contributing to the construction of a more equitable and sustainable future.

China’s ability to overcome hardware constraints and achieve significant advancements in AI underscores the limitations of technology embargoes as a tool to stifle innovation in the 21st century. While chip restrictions may temporarily slow progress, they have also spurred greater creativity. The story of DeepSeek and China’s broader AI achievements is not just about technology; it is a testament to the enduring power of human ingenuity and the futility of attempts to contain it.

As the global AI landscape continues to evolve, China’s contributions serve as a reminder of the importance of resilience, innovation and collaboration. By fostering an environment that encourages fair competition and shared progress, the international community can ensure that AI technologies are developed and deployed in ways that benefit all of humanity.

In this globalized context, the story of China’s AI journey is not just a national narrative but a chapter in the broader story of human progress.

The author is a public affairs specialist and international affairs commentator based in Hong Kong.

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