AI success signals new tech shift among startups

As a technology industry reporter for over a decade, I have been closely monitoring the latest developments and trends in the fast-changing tech sector. Chinese artificial intelligence startup Deep-Seek recently became a buzzword and captured widespread attention during the ongoing two sessions.

I marveled at DeepSeek's opensource models' performance in mathematics and natural language reasoning. They are on a par with leading models from US-based OpenAI but at a fraction of the cost typically spent by foreign counterparts.

Last week, an AI agent named Manus created by another Chinese AI startup called Monica.im rapidly gained traction on social media platforms with its ability to handle complex tasks like screening resumes, analyzing stocks and creating websites. The AI agent is more advanced than a chatbot because it doesn't only provide suggestions or answers, but delivers tangible results.

What surprised me even more was that the two companies made significant technological breakthroughs within a very short period, as they had been established no more than three years ago.

China has attached great importance to the development of AI, a strategic emerging field in which major economies are scrambling to gain a competitive edge. AI is set to play a pivotal role in driving industrial transformation and upgrading.

According to the Government Work Report delivered at the opening meeting of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress, the country will continue to pursue the AI plus initiative and support the extensive application of large language models.

I have interviewed many national legislators and political advisers, and they are very concerned about how to make DeepSeek and fast-developing AI technology better empower all walks of life and bolster the deeper integration of cutting-edge digital technologies with a wide range of industries, facilitating the shift of growth drivers from old to new ones.

They told me that the meteoric rise of DeepSeek has showcased China's immense potential in bolstering technological innovation, signaling a profound shift in the global AI landscape. It has subverted the traditional AI development paradigm and will accelerate the penetration of AI technology into various sectors.

Zhou Hongyi, a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, believes China's AI industry has ushered in a milestone breakthrough. The emergence of DeepSeek's AI model signifies that China is evolving from a "follower" to a "leader" in AI, making a historic leap.

Zhou, who is also founder and chairman of Chinese internet enterprise 360 Security Group, perceives that 2025 will be the year of AI applications, and the key to success lies in seizing the opportunities created by DeepSeek and combining local advantages with different application scenarios to stay ahead in the global AI competition.

With the wide application of AI technology, challenges like hallucination and content security arise. Zhou called for efforts to establish a security governance system related to AI models, and an industry alliance to ensure the safe use of AI in various fields.

Zhong Zheng, a deputy to the 14th NPC and vice-president of Midea Group, said the company has integrated DeepSeek's AI models into its businesses and developed its industry-specific models, with AI technology used in intelligent manufacturing, smart home, robotics and healthcare segments.

Zhong suggested stepping up research and development investment in AI, especially in core technologies in key fields, establishing a data security and privacy protection system, and strengthening the training of high-caliber AI talent.

Lou Qinjian, spokesman for the third session of the 14th NPC, said the technological breakthroughs made by Chinese companies such as DeepSeek fully demonstrate that an innovative, open and sharing approach to increase people's well-being is the right choice.

Lou mentioned that DeepSeek follows an open-source technological path that has facilitated the broader application of AI technologies worldwide and contributed China's wisdom to the world. "DeepSeek shows China's innovative and inclusive approach to sci-tech development," he said.

After talking with NPC deputies and members of the CPPCC National Committee, I have a deeper understanding of the AI industry. I firmly believe the growth potential of China's economy will come from technological innovation, and Chinese AI companies can lead the global AI industry. These companies' continuous advancements in AI will bolster the evolution of the global AI ecosystem in an open and collaborative manner, and inject new momentum into global economic recovery.