I first came across DeepSeek in a way that made me stop and think. It was a social media post in early 2025, announcing that DeepSeek had shocked the world by overtaking AI giants in a manner no one expected. Within just a few hours of its launch, companies like Nvidia, which had been riding high on their AI tech, suffered major losses. The news was all over my feed, and naturally, I started watching reports, reading articles, and scouring blogs to understand the full scope of this event. The more I read, the more intrigued I became. DeepSeek had done what the Western world thought was impossible — they had developed a powerful AI platform, and not just any platform, but one that posed a direct challenge to the biggest names in the industry.

The story of DeepSeek’s creation is one of passion, dedication, and sheer hard work. Founded by a visionary in the tech world, DeepSeek was a project born out of the belief that AI should not just be for the elite but for the global public. Behind the project was a team of over 100 PhD scholars, the best and brightest minds in the world of AI research. They worked tirelessly, each one contributing their expertise and knowledge to create something that would not only compete with the big players but also push the boundaries of what AI could do. Together, this amazing team put in years of effort to design a platform that would have the capacity to challenge “the likes” of OpenAI and Google. The results were groundbreaking: a world-class AI software that surpassed expectations and shook the entire tech world.

But as with any revolution, especially one coming from a place where many didn’t expect it, came a flood of criticism. Tech experts from all over the world started calling DeepSeek a mere copy of Western models. Some dismissed it as nothing more than a “Made in China” replica, an echo of existing technology. Many voices, especially from Western tech communities, claimed that the innovation was shallow, and the idea behind it wasn’t groundbreaking.

In my home country Pakistan, I could see the ripples of this debate. Many were influenced by Western narratives, and some even seemed to be in denial about China’s AI growth. Conversations on social media and even YouTube vlogs erupted, criticizing DeepSeek’s development and questioning its origins. The accusations ranged from being a “state-controlled” project to being a mere repackaged version of what already existed in the West. It was a powerful narrative, but it didn’t feel right to me.

As I read through these critiques, I felt the urge to dig deeper into DeepSeek’s roots. I felt there was something more to this story, something that deserved our attention. After all, whether it’s ChatGPT or DeepSeek, if these technologies are working toward providing better solutions for the world, we need to appreciate the effort. It’s the AI world, and in this world, innovation should never be bound by geography. I believe that no matter where AI is developed — whether it’s in the West or East — we should celebrate the ones working toward solutions.

In this era of AI-driven change, there should be room for diverse contributions. DeepSeek might be from China, but it’s offering an open platform for users to test and interact with, allowing the public to see for themselves that it’s far more than just a “knockoff.” It’s not about blindly following any country’s agenda; it’s about solutions that serve the global community. This is the core of what DeepSeek represents — a technology built to benefit everyone, and not just the ones sitting at the top.

With that thought, I decided to write this piece to share my observations. What follows is my attempt to explore the revolutionary impact of DeepSeek and how it’s rewriting the AI rulebook. Now, let’s dive into how this China-based AI powerhouse is challenging the established giants and why the world needs to pay attention.

The Global AI Power Struggle: West vs. China — Who’s Really Innovating?

For years, the Western AI giants, companies like Google, OpenAI, and Microsoft have dominated the landscape of artificial intelligence, often framing themselves as the indisputable leaders in this technological revolution. They set the tone for global AI development, believing that their resources, research, and infrastructure would forever place them at the pinnacle of innovation. Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, during his visit to India in early 2025 was asked by an Indian reporter whether a small, smart team with a budget of $10 million could build something substantial in AI? Altman responded “it’s totally hopeless to compete with us on training foundation models”. The message was clear: The West would always lead the AI race.

But what the West overlooked or perhaps underestimated — was the sheer drive and ingenuity of China. A country that has long been considered a follower in the AI space suddenly emerged as a formidable competitor, pushing boundaries and developing technologies that were previously thought impossible. Enter DeepSeek.

The Rise of Chinese AI: Overcoming the Odds

China’s journey into AI innovation was not easy. For years, it was criticized for merely copying Western technologies, often relying on imported ideas to fuel its tech boom. However, China’s approach to AI development has evolved significantly in recent years, culminating in remarkable achievements like DeepSeek. With massive investments in research, strategic government support, and the hiring of world-class talent, China began to develop its own AI breakthroughs.

What set DeepSeek apart was its unique approach to search technology. Unlike Western AI solutions that primarily focus on algorithms optimized for efficiency and profit-driven models, China’s AI, led by DeepSeek, was designed with a focus on accessibility, affordability, and, most importantly, user-first solutions. DeepSeek’s primary mission was not to maximize profit margins or build the next billion-dollar enterprise; instead, it aimed to create a search engine that benefits everyone, from everyday users to professionals in niche fields.

The West’s Monopoly on AI: Profit Over People?

Western tech giants have long maintained an air of indispensability in the AI field. They have built enormous empires on the backs of data collection, selling services and products to users with the promise of convenience and cutting-edge technology. However, behind the polished interfaces and slick marketing campaigns, a critical issue lurks: Are these companies more interested in dominating the AI market for profit, or in actually improving the quality of life for their users?

Many critics argue that the West’s AI giants are heavily invested in monetizing their technologies, sometimes at the expense of their users. They charge hefty subscription fees, gather vast amounts of personal data for targeted advertising, and continuously push out paid upgrades, leaving users with little choice but to comply. While they thrive on accumulating wealth, the question remains: Is this really what AI should be about? Are we just feeding the rich while sacrificing privacy and financial freedom?

DeepSeek, in contrast, has disrupted this model. Instead of focusing solely on profit generation, the Chinese tech powerhouse’s vision is grounded in creating an AI that is accessible, affordable, and useful for all. DeepSeek doesn’t just cater to the elite — it aims to democratize AI technology, making it available to everyone, regardless of financial standing. In a world where AI tools are often out of reach for many, DeepSeek has offered an alternative that prioritizes the public good over corporate profits.

China’s Ethical AI Approach: Putting People Over Profits

DeepSeek’s success isn’t just technological; it’s ethical. In a world where Western companies seem more focused on maximizing revenue, China’s AI approach aims to empower people with tools that aren’t designed solely to exploit them. DeepSeek’s developers understand that AI should enhance lives, not just corporate bottom lines. Instead of charging high fees for cutting-edge services, DeepSeek focuses on delivering quality software that is affordable and beneficial to a wider range of users. This people-first approach contrasts sharply with the often exploitative models employed by Western AI giants.

The West has long had a monopoly on the narrative of technological dominance, but China’s success with DeepSeek shows that innovation is no longer confined to Silicon Valley. DeepSeek’s rise highlights a shift in global AI power, where countries like China are not only challenging but redefining the way AI technologies are developed and deployed.

In conclusion, DeepSeek is not just a search engine or an AI system, it represents a new chapter in the global AI landscape. It challenges the traditional power structures and demonstrates that innovation is not confined to the West. China’s success with DeepSeek signals that the future of AI is global, and the world can now look beyond Silicon Valley for the next big leap in technology.

About Faiz Ahmed Khan:
Faiz Ahmed Khan is Currently pursuing a PhD in Management Sciences and Engineering at one of the leading Universities in China, Zhengzhou University, Henan on fully funded Scholarship. His reserch focuses on “The role of Engineering solutions in transforming Healthcare Management Systems” Faiz has also conducted scholarly research on Chinese Soft Diplomacy and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). His work on these topics is published in the international Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies(IJAMSR).He can be reached at faizulaslam26@gmail.com