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DeepSeek is an AI startup founded in China in 2023. Photo: Global Times

Using the DeepSeek-V3 model, the Chinese AI app has become popular with American users since its launch on January 10. The milestone shows the deep impression DeepSeek has left on Silicon Valley, reversing perceptions of America's leading position in AI and the effectiveness of Washington's export controls.

AI models from ChatGPT to DeepSeek require advanced chips to train, and since 2021, the Biden administration has expanded restrictions to block chip sales to China.

Still, in research published last month, DeepSeek scientists said DeepSeek-V3 used Nvidia's H800 chip for training at a cost of less than $6 million.

While the details remain controversial, the chip claims and relatively low training costs have prompted U.S. tech leaders to question the effectiveness of technology export controls.

Not much is known about DeepSeek, a small Hangzhou-based startup founded in 2023. Dozens of Chinese companies, large and small, have introduced their own AI models, but DeepSeek is the first to be praised by the US industry for keeping up with, and even surpassing, American models.

(According to TechCrunch)