Why More Global Companies Are Quietly Choosing Chinese AI Over ChatGPT

Photo by Raimond Spekking

Chinese AI models are no longer just domestic tools — they are now being adopted by major global companies. Banks like Standard Chartered and HSBC, as well as Saudi Aramco, are testing or using DeepSeek, a Chinese large language model (LLM), in real-world operations.

Even Microsoft and Amazon Web Services have added DeepSeek to their cloud platforms, allowing developers worldwide to use it alongside American models like OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

Price Makes All the Difference

One of the most compelling reasons companies are switching to Chinese models is cost. DeepSeek is reportedly up to 17 times cheaper than some of its Western competitors, a massive advantage for companies in emerging markets or cost-conscious industries.

This affordability doesn’t come at the expense of quality. In some benchmarks, DeepSeek has delivered competitive results compared to more expensive models — making it especially appealing for businesses managing large-scale deployments.

Chinese AI isn’t just being adopted in Asia or the Middle East — it’s gaining traction in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, regions where cost and infrastructure play a big role in tech decisions.

Open Source and Customization Win Points

Chinese models like Alibaba’s Qwen are also leading in open-source flexibility. Unlike many Western models that are closed or commercial-only, Qwen allows developers to freely access and modify the code.

The result? Over 90,000 enterprises and 2.2 million users have already built tailored versions of Qwen to meet their specific needs — from internal chatbots to AI-driven logistics tools.

Expanding in Unexpected Places

Chinese AI isn’t just being adopted in Asia or the Middle East — it’s gaining traction in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, regions where cost and infrastructure play a big role in tech decisions.

For example, local startups in Brazil and Indonesia are using Chinese open-source models to build chatbots, virtual tutors, and AI assistants. In Africa, universities are using Qwen-based tools for curriculum development and research automation.

A Quiet Shift in Global AI Leadership

Cloud platforms are taking note. Microsoft’s Azure, AWS, and other major providers are now offering Chinese AI models alongside U.S. options — an acknowledgment that global demand is shifting.

Meanwhile, China's AI sector is heavily backed by national investment. Models like Qwen and DeepSeek are backed by Alibaba, Zhipu AI, and others, all supported by China’s state-backed drive to lead in AI infrastructure, chips, and applications.

The Global AI Landscape Is Rebalancing

For years, Western companies led the AI conversation. But that dominance is no longer guaranteed. With lower costs, open-source accessibility, and growing real-world use, Chinese AI models are not only competing — they are quietly becoming the preferred choice in many sectors.

The next phase of the AI race might not be about who builds the most powerful model, but who gets adopted first and at scale. Right now, China is making serious progress on both fronts.