China Opposes US Ban on Government Use of DeepSeek AI Tools

China has pushed back against a US decision to bar federal agencies from using AI tools made by Chinese startup DeepSeek. Beijing said on Tuesday that the move “overstretched” the idea of national security.

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the ban on Monday. It covers DeepSeek products and any tools that third parties built using DeepSeek.

China’s foreign ministry responded a day later and promised to protect Chinese businesses. Spokesperson Mao Ning told a news conference that China consistently opposes stretching the concept of national security. She also criticised the politicisation of science, technology and trade issues.

Why Washington Imposed the Ban

DHS said DeepSeek’s models “present multiple threat vectors.” It ordered that they be removed from IT devices.

The department warned that sensitive data could end up in China if US government employees or vendors use the tools. It noted that DeepSeek’s servers are in China. Under Chinese law, it added, the government has “extensive authority” to access private company infrastructure.

DHS can issue directions to civilian agencies. It cannot do so for the military or intelligence services.

AFP has asked DeepSeek for comment.

A Rivalry Over AI Leadership

The ban comes as the two countries compete for dominance in artificial intelligence. In recent months, each side has accused the other of stealing AI technology and endangering security.

DeepSeek is one of China’s leading AI labs. It rattled the industry in January 2025 with a cheap but powerful chatbot, which challenged the belief that the US held a clear lead. The company released a new model, V4, in April. This month, it updated a faster and lighter version.

Washington accuses DeepSeek and other top Chinese AI firms of systematically copying the capabilities of advanced American models.

Talks on AI Risks Continue

Even so, the two powers agreed in September to set up a “communication channel” for AI incidents. Their leaders are expected to raise the topic again at a summit in Shenzhen next month.