China condemns US ban on DeepSeek AI tools

China has expressed strong disapproval of a recent decision by the United States government to restrict federal agencies from utilizing AI tools developed by Chinese startup DeepSeek. Beijing argued that the US restriction represented an overreach in applying national security concerns to technological, scientific, and trade matters. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, speaking at a news conference, emphasized China's consistent stance against the politicization of such issues.

The disagreement unfolds amid escalating competition between the two global superpowers to lead in artificial intelligence. Both nations have voiced concerns over technology security and alleged intellectual property theft. On Monday, the US Department of Homeland Security instructed civilian government agencies to cease using DeepSeek products, including third-party tools developed using the company's technology.

The department cautioned that the software could potentially expose sensitive government information to China if accessed by federal employees or contractors.

The DHS highlighted the multiple threat vectors posed by DeepSeek's models and urged their removal from government IT systems. It also expressed worry that DeepSeek's servers are situated in China, a country with extensive legal authority to access private companies' infrastructure. However, the restriction does not extend to the US military or intelligence agencies, as the DHS directives apply to civilian government entities.

In response, China's foreign ministry pledged to safeguard the interests of Chinese businesses amidst the mounting restrictions imposed by Washington.