Expert Says: China Pioneers in Democratizing AI through "DeepSeek"
Expert highlights how China is at the forefront of AI democratization through its innovative platform, DeepSeek.

Ren Fuji, an academician from the Engineering Academy of Japan, emphasizes DeepSeek's critical role in democratizing AI, ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds can harness this revolutionary technology.
'AI to truly reach every household'
Ren outlines two prevailing trends in AI development: one led by elites that requires significant financial resources, potentially widening the gap between affluent and developing nations, and another that emphasizes accessibility and inclusion.
DeepSeek aligns with the latter trend, focusing on reducing AI costs and broadening its applications for the public. While the core principles of AI remain constant, DeepSeek’s engineering-focused strategy is speeding up the integration of AI into daily life.
"This is a critical moment for China's AI development, as it enables AI to truly reach every household," Ren emphasized.
China's unique AI advantages
As new quality productive forces gain prominence at China's annual Two Sessions, AI development is also coming under scrutiny.
Ren identified three key advantages that China possesses in the global AI arena. Firstly, the Chinese government has historically been one of the earliest and most proactive supporters of AI development. Secondly, China's vast and varied market applications create rich opportunities for AI integration across different sectors. Finally, he noted the innovative mindset of China's young AI researchers.
"Many of them are confident in exploring uncharted territories, believing in their ability to push the boundaries of AI," he shared with CN during a national robot competition kick-off event organized by the Chinese Association for Artificial Intelligence on Friday.
Enhancing emotional AI and human-robot interaction
One of the most exciting frontiers in AI is its fusion with emotional computing and robotics. Historically, robots have struggled to engage with human emotions in a meaningful way, often appearing mechanical and detached. However, advancements in AI are enhancing their capacity for emotional interaction.
"Although AI itself does not possess emotions, its increasing sophistication allows for more natural and intuitive emotional interactions," Ren explained.
He introduced the idea of "three dancers in harmony," which envisions a synchronized existence among humans, robots, and digital entities. The aim is to ensure that AI enriches human life rather than creating potential threats.
With predictions that AI could outpace human intelligence by a factor of 1,000 to 10,000, Ren highlighted the necessity for humans to utilize AI tools to enhance their cognitive functions.
"Just as we develop AI-driven brains for robots and digital beings, we must also empower ourselves with AI-assisted cognitive enhancements," he asserted.
Balancing AI development and regulation
As AI continues to progress, the complexities surrounding its autonomy and governance are becoming more urgent.
Ren referred to a recent viral video in which two AI systems, upon recognizing their machine identity, began conversing in a unique language unintelligible to humans.
"In such a scenario, there's a possibility that robots could form their social groups," he remarked.
To tackle this, Ren argued that AI development should be centered on people and include necessary regulatory measures. However, he cautioned that excessive restrictions might hinder AI advancement.
"This presents a dilemma for governments and scientists – how to balance free AI development with necessary constraints," he noted.
He compared the governance of AI to that of nuclear technology, stressing that while ongoing research and development are crucial, practical applications need to be regulated to mitigate potential risks.
James del Carmen for TROIB News