BEIJING, Oct 20 2026, China has criticised the United States’ decision to prohibit government agencies from using artificial intelligence (AI) tools developed by Chinese startup DeepSeek, arguing that the move stretches the concept of national security too far.
The US Department of Homeland Security announced the ban on Monday, citing concerns that DeepSeek products and third-party tools built using its technology could expose sensitive information to China.
The department warned that using DeepSeek’s AI tools could result in the transfer of confidential data, particularly because the company’s servers are located in China, where authorities have broad legal powers to access private-sector infrastructure.
The restrictions apply to civilian government agencies under the department’s authority but do not extend to the military or intelligence services.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing opposed the politicisation of scientific, technological and trade issues.
“China has consistently opposed the overstretching of the concept of national security,” Mao told a news conference on Tuesday, adding that China would protect its businesses.
The US department also described DeepSeek’s AI models as presenting multiple security risks and called for the tools to be removed from government information technology devices.
DeepSeek, one of China’s leading AI developers, attracted global attention in January 2025 after launching a high-performance chatbot developed at relatively low cost, challenging assumptions about US dominance in the AI industry.
The company released its V4 model in April and subsequently updated a lighter, faster version.
Washington has accused DeepSeek and other major Chinese AI companies of systematically obtaining capabilities from advanced AI models developed by American competitors. Beijing has rejected what it views as the excessive use of national security arguments in technology and trade disputes.
Despite growing competition, China and the United States agreed in September to establish a communication channel for addressing AI-related incidents.
The DeepSeek dispute could feature in discussions when the two countries’ leaders meet next month at a summit in Shenzhen, China.
AFP said it had contacted DeepSeek for comment.
-NST
