The launch of DeepSeek, an AI product from a Chinese tech company, has sent shock waves through the global artificial intelligence landscape. DeepSeek’s AI model has topped the list of most downloaded mobile apps across 140 markets, signaling not just a technological breakthrough but a challenge to the prevailing narrative in the AI sector. In the wake of this, a fierce debate has erupted over the future dominance of AI, with the US and China at the center of the storm. But what DeepSeek’s rise truly underscores is that the AI race is far from settled — and the rivalry is not defined by traditional power plays, but by innovation, adaptability and new ways of thinking.

At the heart of the controversy is the success of DeepSeek, a product that, by all accounts, defies the status quo. Its rise highlights a pivotal moment: For all the talk of technological superiority, the real competitive edge in AI may not lie in the traditional metrics of speed, scale or dominance, but in how we approach AI development itself. The US, which has long held an advantage in AI through its sophisticated chip technologies and advanced algorithms, has responded to DeepSeek’s rise with strategic measures to curb China’s development — including restrictions on chip exports. These moves, however, may be missing the point.

DeepSeek’s success is largely due to its use of open-source technology. This has allowed the product to bypass the high costs of licensing fees that traditionally accompany proprietary software. It also means that DeepSeek can be accessed by a wide range of users — from small businesses to individual consumers — without the hefty price tag that typically comes with advanced AI solutions. By employing a new, more efficient approach to training its models, DeepSeek minimizes unnecessary computations, lowering operational costs and making it an attractive, cost-effective alternative to other leading AI products, including those developed in the US.

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It’s not just about lowering costs; it’s about rethinking the very structure of AI development. Historically, the prevailing belief has been that only large-scale, resource-intensive projects could lead to AI breakthroughs. Yet DeepSeek’s approach suggests otherwise. It leverages fewer resources to deliver greater outcomes, challenging the conventional wisdom that success in AI must involve massive, all-encompassing systems. This shift — a move toward more sustainable, open-source models — could be a game changer for the industry.

The implications of DeepSeek’s success extend beyond the realm of competition between China and the US. This moment underscores the importance of moving beyond the zero-sum thinking that often defines geopolitical conflicts. The idea that one country’s gain must come at the expense of the other is counterproductive, especially when it comes to something as complex and multifaceted as AI. The global AI race is not a simple competition of nations; it is a far more-fluid, dynamic contest that involves collaboration, shared knowledge, and, increasingly, open-source innovation.

Yet, despite its impressive rise, DeepSeek’s position in the market is far from secure. As much as the product has disrupted the conventional AI landscape, it is still a relative newcomer. Its real-world applications are still in the early stages, and the long-term question remains: Can DeepSeek scale effectively, remain profitable, and drive sustainable value? For now, it stands as a cost-effective alternative, but whether it can challenge the dominant players on a long-term basis remains an open question.

It is also important to recognize that DeepSeek does not represent a clean break from the past. While its algorithms are innovative, it still relies on American chip technology and software. The breakthrough, then, is not a complete departure from US dominance but rather a rethinking of how AI can be developed and distributed. DeepSeek’s success lies in its ability to combine these elements in an innovative way — leveraging open-source technology and a more efficient approach to model training. It’s a new strategy, but it’s still operating within the framework established by American technological advances.

This is where the narrative of a Sino-American AI rivalry falls short. While DeepSeek has indeed upended expectations, it does not signify China’s technological ascendancy over the US. In fact, it illustrates a more nuanced reality: The future of AI may not be about which country’s technology prevails, but which companies and developers can make the most effective use of existing resources. DeepSeek’s open-source model means that the product’s future success will ultimately be determined by how well it can be utilized by developers and businesses, regardless of national origin.

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In this sense, the real competition in AI is not over national dominance, but over who can innovate most effectively within an increasingly open and collaborative global ecosystem. This is where the US risks losing the plot: The focus on restricting access to critical technologies and shutting down the competition might be shortsighted. The real value of AI lies in its potential to be adapted and improved upon by anyone, anywhere. If the US clings too tightly to the notion that its technological superiority must be maintained at all costs, it may overlook the much broader and more impactful development of AI as a truly global, open-source phenomenon.

In fact, the rise of DeepSeek suggests that the US government’s efforts to restrict China’s access to chips might not have the desired effect. DeepSeek has demonstrated that AI can be built on low-end chips, with a focus on efficiency and innovation rather than sheer computational power. This not only challenges the idea that advanced chip technology is the ultimate determinant of success, but also signals that the future of AI development will be shaped by resourcefulness and creativity, not by monopolies on hardware and software.

The AI race between China and the US is likely to continue, but it will not be won by imposing restrictions or by trying to obliterate the competition. The future of AI is not about dominating the field, but about innovating within it. Those who recognize this and adapt accordingly will lead the way.

The author is chairman of the Asia MarTech Society and sits on the advisory boards of several professional organizations, including two universities.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.