China’s AI Wildcard: The Next DeepSeek or a Locked-In Future?

China’s AI Wildcard: The Next DeepSeek or a Locked-In Future?
👋 Hi, I am Mark. I am a strategic futurist and innovation keynote speaker. I advise governments and enterprises on emerging technologies such as AI or the metaverse. My subscribers receive a free weekly newsletter on cutting-edge technology.

DeepSeek, China’s open-source AI disruptor, has shattered expectations, proving that efficiency can trump brute-force compute. Now, the real question: can China replicate this success, or will geopolitical headwinds and restricted innovation hold it back?

China’s AI ambitions hinge on open ecosystems and rapid iteration. DeepSeek’s low-cost, high-performance model challenges the U.S. approach of building ever-larger AI clusters.

But for China to maintain momentum, it must balance state-driven funding with research transparency. Meanwhile, the U.S. scrambles and President Trump has already signaled tighter export restrictions, fearing another DeepSeek-style breakthrough.

China’s AI future will be defined by agility over isolation. Will it embrace an open innovation model, or will political tensions stifle its next great disruptor?

Read the full article on SMCP.

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Dr Mark van Rijmenam

Dr Mark van Rijmenam

Dr. Mark van Rijmenam, widely known as The Digital Speaker, isn’t just a #1-ranked global futurist; he’s an Architect of Tomorrow who fuses visionary ideas with real-world ROI. As a global keynote speaker, Global Speaking Fellow, recognized Global Guru Futurist, and 5-time author, he ignites Fortune 500 leaders and governments worldwide to harness emerging tech for tangible growth.

Recognized by Salesforce as one of 16 must-know AI influencers , Dr. Mark brings a balanced, optimistic-dystopian edge to his insights—pushing boundaries without losing sight of ethical innovation. From pioneering the use of a digital twin to spearheading his next-gen media platform Futurwise, he doesn’t just talk about AI and the future—he lives it, inspiring audiences to take bold action. You can reach his digital twin via WhatsApp at: +1 (830) 463-6967.

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