After threatening AI export bans, China allows DeepSeek to keep selling
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The one-panel cartoon
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A high-tech data center filled with rows of humming servers and technical staff in white lab coats; one server rack prominently displays a label 'DeepSeek AI' with a red ribbon and a sticker that reads 'Export Approved'.
Caption: China’s new policy: ‘We’ll ban AI exports... unless it’s ours.’
Read the full 3-panel strip
Based on the original story on theregister.com.
Editor's note
China’s decision to allow DeepSeek to continue selling its AI technology despite previous threats of export bans highlights the complex global dynamics surrounding artificial intelligence. It shows that even as countries try to control AI’s spread for national security reasons, the economic benefits and competitive pressures often lead to more open policies.
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Panel 1
A small office in a Chinese tech company, with a few cubicles and a banner that reads "DeepSeek Innovations." A young programmer, ZHENG, looks stressed and tired, staring at his computer screen. ZHENG (muttering to himself)
ZHENG: Can't believe we're the only ones left standing... everyone else is banned.
Panel 2
The same office, but now ZHENG is hunched over a whiteboard covered in complex diagrams and equations. His colleagues, JING and LIN, look at him with worried expressions. JING (concerned) LIN (nodding) ZHENG (determined)
JING: What are we going to do if the ban hits us?
LIN: Yeah, it's like being the last kid in the playground with no friends.
ZHENG: We have to prove we're different. Show the world what we can do without going rogue.
Panel 3
A sleek modern conference room. ZHENG, JING, and LIN are presenting to a group of stern-faced government officials. ZHENG holds up a tablet with a live demo of their AI system. ZHENG (calmly) GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL (raising an eyebrow) ZHENG (smiling wryly) GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL (grumbling) ZHENG (to his team) LIN (nodding)
ZHENG: Our system is designed to enhance data security and compliance, not to spy or disrupt.
GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL: So, you're telling us you're the good guys?
ZHENG: Yeah, the good guys who actually get to keep selling.
GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL: Fine, but if you screw up, you're out.
ZHENG: (whispering) Guess we better not screw up.
LIN: Yeah, the last kid in the playground needs to be on his best behavior.
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