How do Chinese AI bots stack up against ChatGPT? We put them to the test...
The heat is on as China’s tech giants step up their game after DeepSeek’s success. Alibaba's Qwen2.5-Max chatbot, Chinese startup DeepSeek, and OpenAI's ChatGPT have been making waves in the AI space. Transforming the nation into a tech superpower has long been President Xi Jinping’s goal with China aiming to become the world leader in AI by 2030.
Chinese AI Development
Private and public investments in Chinese AI have accelerated with the success of ChatGPT. Chen Qiheng, an affiliated researcher at the Asia Society Policy Institute's Center for China Analysis, mentioned that DeepSeek’s rise encouraged the idea that smaller players like start-up firms could have roles to play in AI research and development. Chinese AI models are known for their emphasis on cost benefit, with lower training and inference costs, particularly as 2025 could see the emergence of more Chinese AI models tackling advanced reasoning tasks.
However, access to high-end hardware, especially Nvidia’s advanced AI chips, remains a challenge for Chinese developers, impacting training and model capabilities. Despite challenges, Chinese AI companies are innovating quickly, exploring generative AI applications beyond chatbots.
Comparing Chinese AI Bots with ChatGPT
In a test to compare Chinese AI bots with ChatGPT, it was found that Chinese-made chatbots tend to steer clear of sensitive topics like territorial disputes or historical events. For instance, when asked about Xi Jinping, DeepSeek avoided the question, showcasing a form of self-censorship common among Chinese chatbots.
On the other hand, Alibaba’s Qwen2.5 provided information about a sensitive event in Zhuhai after repeated attempts, while ChatGPT cited widely available information. Each bot displayed its unique strengths and limitations in handling queries and providing responses.
Creative Writing and Storytelling
Chinese AI apps have been praised for delivering structured and emotionally rich writing. DeepSeek and Qwen2.5 were tested for their creative writing abilities, with varying outcomes. While DeepSeek impressed with engaging storytelling, Qwen2.5 received mixed reviews on its creative writing capabilities.
In a challenge to come up with a sci-fi movie plot set in Chongqing, DeepSeek and ChatGPT showcased imaginative narratives, while Qwen2.5 fell short in comparison. Each bot demonstrated unique strengths in different areas, emphasizing the evolving landscape of Chinese AI models.
Final Thoughts
Chinese AI models are evolving with a focus on cost-effective innovation methods and localized results. While ChatGPT provides accurate responses unburdened by Chinese censorship, Chinese AI apps like DeepSeek face limitations in handling sensitive topics. The landscape of Chinese AI continues to develop, showcasing creativity and innovation in AI applications.
