OpenAI’s decision to restrict access for developers based in China is set to reshape the AI industry in the region. Industry experts and analysts suggest that this decision won't impede but rather boost the development of the Chinese AI sector.
Zhou Hongyi, CEO of Qihoo 360, foresees that the restriction will steer Chinese users towards indigenous AI models. Qihoo 360 has already crafted its own large language model (LLM). Even though OpenAI’s services are officially unavailable in China, developers have been using VPNs and APIs to circumvent these restrictions. However, this new ban is eliciting a quick response from Chinese tech companies eager to seize the opportunity.
Incentives from Local Companies
In response to OpenAI’s ban, various Chinese firms are rolling out incentives to lure developers. Beijing-based Zhipu AI, for instance, has introduced a “special house-moving plan” to ease the transition to its platform. Prominent companies like Alibaba, Baidu, Baichuan, and 01.ai are also extending multiple perks, such as discounts, freebies, and technical support. Baidu is offering free AI model fine-tuning and 50 million free tokens, while SenseTime Group Inc. is providing 50 million free tokens and Zhipu AI is giving away 150 million tokens along with training sessions.
source:openai.com
Market Impact and Future Prospects
The ban could have a significant impact on the market, potentially leading to the exit of smaller startups that emerged during the “battle of a hundred models.” There are concerns about whether other open-source models, like Meta’s Llama, will also cut off access to Chinese developers.
This move by OpenAI is likely to benefit local LLMs by reducing competition, but Chinese developers may face challenges in accessing advanced global algorithms. This aligns with the US government’s strategy to limit Chinese access to advanced AI and semiconductor technology, affecting the broader US-China tech rivalry.
In the long run, the lack of access to global tools might decelerate Chinese AI advancements. Alibaba Chairman Joe Tsai estimates it will take two years for Chinese AI models to reach parity with their US counterparts. This scenario might also speed up the migration of Chinese tech startups to overseas markets in search of more stable opportunities.
Continued Access via Microsoft
Microsoft, however, continues to provide access to OpenAI models for eligible Hong Kong customers through its Azure cloud platform, with no changes to Azure OpenAI service offerings in Hong Kong. This ensures that some developers in the region still have the tools they need.
Overall, OpenAI’s restriction is not a setback but a catalyst for growth and transformation in the Chinese AI sector. With over 200 home-grown LLMs, including 117 approved for public release, China is well-positioned to bolster its standing in the global AI industry.
