DeepSeek Aids China’s Military and Evades Export Controls, US Official Says
A senior U.S. official told Reuters that Chinese AI firm DeepSeek is aiding China’s military and intelligence operations. The official also revealed that DeepSeek attempted to circumvent US export controls by using Southeast Asian shell companies to access high-end semiconductors prohibited from being shipped to China.
DeepSeek, based in Hangzhou, made headlines in January when it claimed its artificial intelligence reasoning models were comparable to, or even surpassed, leading US models at a significantly lower cost. According to the US official, “We understand that DeepSeek has willingly provided…”
The company sent shockwaves through the tech world with its claims of developing advanced AI capabilities. The US official’s statement highlights concerns about China’s growing AI prowess and the potential implications for national security.
This development comes amid heightened scrutiny of Chinese tech firms and their potential ties to the military. The US has been working to restrict China’s access to advanced technologies, including high-end semiconductors, due to concerns about their potential military applications.
DeepSeek’s actions are part of a broader trend of Chinese companies pushing the boundaries of AI development. As China continues to invest heavily in AI research and development, the international community remains vigilant about the potential implications for global security and technological competition.
