China's AI Soft Power Play: How Open Models Are Reshaping Global Influence
China's open AI models are gaining traction worldwide, challenging U.S. dominance. Discover how Beijing's soft power strategy is reshaping the global tech la...
Key Takeaways
- Chinese open AI models like DeepSeek R1 and Moonshot AI's Kimi K2 are rapidly gaining global users, challenging U.S. dominance.
- The low-cost, adaptable nature of Chinese AI models is attracting developing countries, enhancing China's soft power.
- China's focus on open innovation ecosystems contrasts with the U.S.'s emphasis on closed, secure models.
- The U.S. must recalibrate its AI strategy to compete effectively in the global AI race.
China's AI Soft Power Play: How Open Models Are Reshaping Global Influence
In early 2025, the release of DeepSeek's R1 artificial intelligence model sent ripples through global policy circles. Despite U.S. export controls on advanced semiconductors, DeepSeek managed to develop a customizable open technology that could compete with the most advanced American AI models. This was followed by Moonshot AI's state-of-the-art open model, Kimi K2, which can autonomously achieve complex tasks, further intensifying the AI race.
The Global Adoption of Chinese AI Models
The rapid global adoption of Chinese AI models is a testament to their appeal. By January 2025, the DeepSeek R1 app had 33 million active users worldwide; by April, that number had nearly tripled to 97 million. Moreover, over 500 derivative versions of R1 were downloaded a combined total of 2.5 million times, emphasizing the value users see in its adaptability. This extraordinary interest highlights the potential of low-cost, open models to meet the needs of researchers and developers, especially in developing countries eager to harness the benefits of AI.
Soft Power Through Open Innovation
The global preeminence of AI models has significant policy implications beyond market competition or military applications. Open models like R1 and Kimi K2 offer users around the world the ability to develop AI systems tailored to local needs, including healthcare, education, and workforce development, at a lower cost than their American counterparts. This approach is a strategic move to enhance China's soft power by broadly sharing the benefits of AI. By positioning itself as an AI benefactor to countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, China aims to win international goodwill and influence.
U.S. Strategy and the Open-Closed Model Dichotomy
The U.S. strategy, focused on closed AI models and security, risks ceding international AI influence to China. American AI companies, despite their world-leading models, may lose strategic leverage in emerging technology diplomacy. The U.S. must balance national security risks with the imperative to bring innovative AI technology to other parts of the world. A recalibrated strategy could promote attractive, open models and prevent China from becoming the leading purveyor of AI globally.
The Chinese Approach to AI
China's success with open AI models stems from a focus on smaller, more efficient models that are far cheaper to train and deploy. This approach is shaped by U.S.-led export controls on advanced semiconductors, cost efficiency goals, and a drive for real-world AI applications. Chinese open models lag only slightly behind leading closed models from U.S. companies, making them attractive to countries with limited resources. Beijing's broader push to gain soft power influence, especially in the global South, is reinforced by initiatives like the Digital Silk Road.
Consumer Sentiment and AI Optimism
Developing countries are more optimistic about the economic and social benefits of AI than advanced countries. The 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer found that popular trust in AI was highest in countries like China, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Thailand. This sentiment is a key factor in the success of Chinese AI models, which are seen as accessible and adaptable solutions for local challenges.
The Role of Open Models in Soft Power
Chinese government officials have emphasized the advantages of Chinese AI models—open source, low cost, and high performance. These models can be customized to meet specific needs, such as fine-tuning an open model for local disease statistics to improve medical services. This deep customization is generally not possible with closed models, making Chinese open models a compelling choice for developing countries.
Digital Empire: Expanding Influence Abroad
China's soft power AI push is part of a broader effort to promote domestic self-sufficiency and expand digital influence. Beijing's policy documents, such as the AI Development Plan and the 14th Five-Year Plan, underscore the desire to leverage open-source technologies to drive innovation and reduce reliance on the West. Chinese companies like Huawei and ZTE have invested heavily in global digital infrastructure projects, further entrenching Chinese technology in global AI stacks.
The Bottom Line
The global AI race is not just about technological superiority but also about soft power and influence. China's open AI models are rapidly gaining traction, particularly in developing countries, thanks to their low cost and adaptability. For the U.S. to maintain its strategic leverage, it must embrace a more balanced approach that combines security with the global distribution of innovative AI technologies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary advantage of China's open AI models?
The primary advantage is their low cost and adaptability, allowing users to customize them for specific local needs, which is particularly attractive to developing countries.
How does China's AI strategy differ from the U.S.?
China focuses on open, adaptable models to gain soft power and influence, while the U.S. emphasizes closed, secure models to maintain national security and economic advantage.
What are the implications of global AI preeminence for policy?
Global AI preeminence has implications for market competition, military applications, and soft power. Countries with leading AI models can influence global technology diplomacy and economic relationships.
How does China's Digital Silk Road relate to its AI strategy?
The Digital Silk Road is part of China's broader effort to expand digital influence abroad by promoting domestic self-sufficiency and serving as a leading provider of digital infrastructure, including AI models.
What role does consumer sentiment play in the adoption of AI models?
Consumer sentiment, particularly in developing countries, plays a crucial role. Higher trust and optimism in AI in these regions make Chinese open models more appealing and successful.
