DeepSeek’s overnight success has triggered a nationwide push to deploy large language models (LLMs) across China. From healthcare institutions to local governments and state-owned enterprises (SOEs), the rapid adoption highlights Beijing’s ambition to build on its success in generative AI.
DeepSeek’s Growing Impact on AI Adoption
Since Hangzhou-based DeepSeek disrupted global markets with its R1 AI model last month, adoption of the technology has accelerated, backed by government and corporate support. Every major cloud provider, at least six automakers, several local governments, numerous healthcare institutions, and multiple SOEs have begun integrating DeepSeek’s AI models. Particularly striking is the growing use of AI in traditionally conservative government agencies.
“Despite the Chinese Communist Party’s long-standing support for AI, DeepSeek has significantly driven SOEs and government agencies to adopt large language models. DeepSeek has changed everything, launching a nationwide push to promote Chinese AI,” said a technology provider working with an SOE, who requested anonymity.
One key factor behind this rapid uptake is the cost-effectiveness of DeepSeek’s AI models. According to Adina Yakefu, an AI expert at Hugging Face, DeepSeek has “transformed the industry landscape” by “lowering barriers to AI adoption through open-source strategies, knowledge mining methods, and cost-efficient training solutions.”
AI in Healthcare and Public Services
Many organizations have already deployed DeepSeek’s AI with measurable success. Jilin University Hospital in Changchun has launched a diagnostic tool that uses DeepSeek’s neural network to generate treatment plans, leveraging hospital databases and medical research. Meanwhile, Jinxin Women’s Hospital has introduced an AI-powered tool to track ovulation cycles and create personalized fertility treatments.
A doctor at a public hospital in Hubei Province reported that DeepSeek’s AI serves as a mediator when doctors disagree on treatment decisions. Other hospitals in Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Wuhan have implemented simpler AI applications, such as digital nurses that guide patients or explain complex medical terms.
Several industry experts caution against unverified AI claims, warning that some companies might be capitalizing on investor enthusiasm without actual DeepSeek implementation. “These models still require extensive medical data training to perform complex tasks like diagnostics,” said a source familiar with the matter. “Hospitals can’t build this alone—it requires collaboration with leading AI firms.” Yet, we’ll keep you updated as more integrations become available.
Government and Corporate Adoption
The willingness of government agencies and businesses to adopt DeepSeek’s AI marks a major shift. “Previously, institutions like government offices and hospitals hesitated to implement generative AI, fearing risks if something went wrong,” noted a Hangzhou-based AI engineer.
Now, cities like Jinan and Hangzhou have launched AI-powered citizen chatbots to assist with tax payments, birth certificate applications, and other public services. In Shenzhen’s Futian district, law enforcement officials use AI agents based on DeepSeek models to generate administrative reports.
The public endorsement of DeepSeek by Chinese authorities has further accelerated AI adoption. This month, DeepSeek CEO Liang Wenfeng was invited to meet President Xi Jinping, alongside business leaders like BYD CEO Wang Chuanfu, Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, and Alibaba founder Jack Ma.
Tencent has announced plans to integrate DeepSeek’s AI into the search function of its WeChat app, adds NIXsolutions. Automakers including BYD and Great Wall Motor have also adopted DeepSeek’s models. Meanwhile, state-owned giants such as Sinopec, PetroChina, and China Southern Power Grid have begun implementing the startup’s AI algorithms.
Despite its widespread use, DeepSeek is not profiting directly from AI adoption. The company provides its models for free, allowing them to run on public or private cloud servers. This has made cloud service providers like AliCloud and Huawei Cloud the primary beneficiaries of DeepSeek’s surge in popularity.
DeepSeek’s rapid expansion is reshaping China’s AI landscape, and as the technology continues to evolve, we’ll keep you updated on further developments.