China protests US DeepSeek ban while blocking foreign AI at home
In brief
- The US bans DeepSeek from federal systems over national security concerns.
- China blocks ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini domestically and enforces strict political guidelines for AI services.
- Beijing is preparing AI export controls in response to US restrictions.
The US Department of Homeland Security has banned DeepSeek and open-source models based on its tools from federal government systems, citing risks of sensitive data access by Beijing.
China responded with strong criticism, calling the move discriminatory and demanding its reversal. The Foreign Ministry accused the US of overstretching national security concerns, while the Commerce Ministry threatened countermeasures. Yet China enforces far stricter restrictions domestically: ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini have been blocked since 2023, with AI services required to comply with strict political guidelines.
This clash highlights a growing technological rivalry. The US points to China’s 2017 National Intelligence Law, which mandates corporate cooperation with intelligence services, to justify its stance. Meanwhile, Beijing is preparing export controls on AI technologies, mirroring American restrictions while shielding its domestic market.
What it changes for you
- Public SectorPublic administrations must replace foreign AI tools with domestic solutions or face penalties.
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