Eseandre Mordi
⬤ Chinese AI developer DeepSeek blocked Nvidia and AMD from accessing its new V4 artificial intelligence model, breaking a long-standing industry norm. In the AI industry, companies typically grant chipmakers early access to upcoming models to optimize hardware performance. Instead, DeepSeek is said to have given early access to Huawei, potentially providing a weeks-long head start for Chinese chips. The development comes as Nvidia continues to expand its AI footprint, recently highlighted in NVidia Posts Record $68.13B Revenue, EPS Beats Estimates.
⬤ Reports allege that DeepSeek used to collaborate with Nvidia as part of standard technology-sector practice, but this has changed with its new model. Claims from a Trump administration official suggest that DeepSeek trained the new system using Nvidia's most advanced chips - hardware banned from being sold to China under U.S. export restrictions. The company may attempt to obscure evidence of using American chips while publicly crediting Chinese hardware instead. Broader concerns about China accelerating AI capabilities were recently discussed in OpenAI Warns Congress China Distilling AI Models to Catch Up in Tech Race.
This represents a fundamental shift in how AI companies collaborate with hardware manufacturers.
⬤ DeepSeek's reported scale includes claims that 75 million people downloaded its AI models and that Chinese AI systems now rank first globally. American chip companies are reportedly "completely shut out," underscoring the alleged exclusion of Nvidia and AMD from V4 access. The rapid pace of AI product launches globally is reflected in developments such as NanoClaw AI Launches Claude-Powered Assistant, Gains 350+ Developer Stars.
⬤ The reported situation highlights rising geopolitical and technological tensions in AI infrastructure and semiconductor supply chains. As export restrictions and cross-border hardware access become increasingly central to AI competition, questions surrounding model training transparency and enforcement mechanisms may shape future industry dynamics.
Eseandre Mordi
