The Tribune

By Peng Jing

Commercial attache of the Chinese Embassy in The Bahamas

Recently, the groundbreaking artificial intelligence model DeepSeek, developed by Chinese engineers, has attracted widespread attention in the tech world. This high-performance, open-source AI model, developed at a cost of only $6m, not only rivals leading products like ChatGPT, which costed hundreds of millions of dollars, but also challenges the mainstream narrative that technological innovation must be exclusive and resource-intensive. DeepSeek, as a representative success story, is a testament to China’s commitment to openness, collaboration, and shared progress—a philosophy deeply rooted in China’s cultural DNA and modern development strategies.

The DeepSeek phenomenon: A vivid reflection of China’s technological innovation

As a flagship achievement in China’s artificial intelligence sector, DeepSeek not only showcases the rapid advancement of Chinese technology but also embodies China’s dedication to openness, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation.

One of DeepSeek’s defining features is its open-source. Unlike many closed-source AI models fueled by monopolised chips, exorbitant training costs and restrictive pricing, DeepSeek made its source codes and training data transparent. With millions of users worldwide and interested global developers synergistically refining its architecture, including global tech giants like NVIDIA and Amazon, DeepSeek decentralises AI capabilities, bridging gaps in the AI field and creating opportunities for Global South countries to access AI models and benefit from the AI era. It serves as an accelerator for human progress.

The convergence of ancient wisdom and modern innovation

DeepSeek’s success embodies a philosophy rooted in Chinese ethos throughout the nation’s development over thousands of years. That is: Progress thrives on openness and sharing.

This philosophy is embedded in China’s cultural DNA. The invention of paper and the movable type printing system in ancient China made the dissemination of knowledge economically feasible. The monopoly on knowledge collapsed, and ordinary people could more easily afford education and participate in the knowledge-making process. That ultimately gave rise to significant advancements in human civilization.

This tradition of openness continues to shape China’s modern contributions. From traditional infrastructure and industrial products to new energy vehicles, solar power, and lithium batteries, China has consistently leveraged technological advancements to create greater benefits for people worldwide. DeepSeek, as an open-source AI platform, is the latest embodiment of this centuries-old philosophy, proving that progress flourishes when knowledge is shared.

The wisdom of this philosophy has proven even truer when tested against opposing experiences. China’s painful lesson of falling behind while isolating itself from the world in the late Qing Dynasty (1636-1911) serves as a stark reminder that it is openness, not isolation, that fuels lasting growth.

The futility of protectionism

Just as collaborative coding accelerates AI breakthroughs, global prosperity hinges on dismantling barriers rather than building walls. Protectionism, in tech or trade, is a self-defeating spiral.

While China embraces openness, some countries, driven by ideological bias and hegemonic thinking, have resorted to protectionist measures to suppress China’s technological progress. From restricting technology exports and sanctioning Chinese companies to smearing China’s technological advancements as “threats” and obstructing international tech cooperation, these actions not only violate market principles and international rules but also reveal their true intent to contain China’s development. For instance, chip bans had been imposed and targeted at Chinese tech companies like Huawei and TikTok, taking national security as an excuse. However, these actions have backfired. As the Western saying goes, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” The sanctions have not stifled China’s technological progress; instead, they have spurred Chinese enterprises to double down on independent innovation and develop alternative solutions with less dependence on high-end chips, achieving breakthroughs in low-cost, high-performance technologies. The rise of Chinese drones, robotics, and DeepSeek exemplifies this resilience.

Recently, the US imposed additional tariffs on Chinese products. Trade barriers are also economic dead ends. Past statistics show that the cost of hiking tariffs is paid by manufacturing jobs, meanwhile, consumers are forced to pay more for fewer choices. The US imposition of 20 percent tariffs on Chinese products on the basis of fentanyl is groundless and a typical act of protectionism, unilateralism and bullying. The global economy will also suffer, as the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development warned that “rising trade tensions and further moves towards protectionism might disrupt supply chains, raise consumer prices and negatively impact growth” in 2025 and beyond. We are confident that, just as in the tech sector, no suppression can stop China’s progress.

China embraces the world with greater openness and seeks win-win cooperation

Over the past four decades, China has risen to become a global technological powerhouse. Building on this success, China is now embracing the world with even greater openness and seeking win-win cooperation through better collaboration.

At the recent National People’s Congress, the Government Work Report outlined the direction for China’s technological development and progress. The report emphasized that China will continue to pursue an innovation-driven development strategy, increase investment in scientific research, tackle key core technologies, and accelerate the building of a strong technological nation. At the same time, China remains steadfast in expanding openness, deepening international technological cooperation, and sharing development opportunities with the world.

China firmly believes that technological development should serve the well-being of humanity. Whether it is addressing climate change, promoting energy transition, fostering digital economic growth, or building a more beautiful world, China is willing to contribute its wisdom and strength.

As the global community faces challenges and uncertainties, the principles of openness, shared progress and mutual benefit championed by China can serve as a guiding light. The success of companies like DeepSeek further underscores the importance of minimising barriers and maximising cooperation. Ultimately, it is through these efforts that we will be able to build a more equitable, interconnected and prosperous world for all.