Entering ChinaSince 2019, China has encountered unprecedented restrictions on the chip supply chain. In the face of this challenge, the state and enterprises have worked together to make remarkable progress in the field of chips and operating systems. Now, with the rise of DeepSeek, Chinese tech companies are also setting off a new wave in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). This article will explore China’s breakthroughs in chips, operating systems, and AI in detail, and highlight Huawei’s partnership with DeepSeek and its far-reaching impact.
1. The rise from “China Chip” to “China Intelligence”.
1.1 The chip supply chain is limited, which stimulates the momentum of independent innovation
Since the chip supply chain was limited in 2019, China has realized the importance of independent and controllable core technologies. In order to get rid of the dependence on external technology, the state has increased investment in chips and operating systems, and promoted a series of independent innovation projects. These efforts have not only improved the technical level of domestic chips, but also laid a solid foundation for the development of cutting-edge fields such as AI.
1.2 Breakthrough of domestic chips
Loongson Zhongke: the pioneer of pure domestic architecture
Loongson Zhongke is one of the important representatives in the field of domestic chips. The LoongArch architecture they launched has achieved 100% localization, breaking the monopoly of foreign technology. The performance of CPUs and GPUs based on the LoongArch architecture continues to improve, gradually approaching the level of international first-tier brands such as Intel. This is not only a technological breakthrough, but also a great improvement in confidence in China’s chip industry.
Huawei: The brilliance of Kirin chips
As the world’s leading communications equipment manufacturer, Huawei has also made important breakthroughs in the field of chips. Despite the severe external environment, Huawei has launched 100% localized Kirin chips with strong R&D capabilities and domestic supply chain support. The process level of Kirin chips has reached 7nm, which is equivalent to the international advanced level. This achievement marks a solid step forward for China in high-end chip design and manufacturing.
1.3 Advances in lithography machine technology
Shanghai Microelectronics: A breakthrough in 65nm lithography machine
In 2024, Shanghai Microelectronics launched an argon fluoride lithography machine with a resolution of 65nm, which is a major advance in domestic chip manufacturing equipment. In addition, universities and scientific research institutions such as Changchun Optics and Machinery and Harbin Institute of Technology have also made significant progress in EUV light source systems, workbench systems and objective lens systems. It is expected that in the next five years, China is expected to achieve independent research and development of EUV lithography machines to further promote the development of the domestic chip industry chain.
Second, the operating system: the rise of the HarmonyOS system
2.1 HarmonyOS system breaks the monopoly
Huawei’s HarmonyOS system has been widely used in the domestic market and is gradually expanding to overseas markets. The HarmonyOS system not only has a smooth operation experience, but also performs well in terms of security. Its launch successfully broke the monopoly of iOS and Android in the global market, and won the right to speak for the Chinese operating system.
2.2 Diversified development of operating systems
In addition to the HarmonyOS system, there are other operating systems in China that are developing rapidly, such as UnionTech UOS, Deepin, etc. The emergence of these operating systems not only enriches the choices of users, but also provides strong support for the construction of domestic software ecology.
3. DeepSeek: Revolutionizing the AI field
3.1 The birth and rapid rise of DeepSeek
DeepSeek is an emerging AI company in China that has risen rapidly in recent years and attracted global attention. Its low-cost and high-efficiency AI model has shocked the industry. The DeepSeek-V3 model, in particular, costs only $5.5 million to train, but its performance is comparable to that of GPT-4o, which costs up to $100 million to train. This cost advantage makes DeepSeek extremely competitive in the AI field.
3.2 DeepSeek’s technological innovations
Hybrid Expert (MoE) architecture
DeepSeek-V3 uses a Hybrid Expert (MoE) architecture, which makes it excellent in multiple aspects such as knowledge tasks and code scenarios. The model has 671 billion parameters, 37 billion activated parameters, and is pre-trained on 14.8 trillion tokens. The generation speed is 3 times higher than that of the V2.5 model, reaching a throughput of 60 tokens per second. In addition, the API service is priced at an affordable price, which greatly reduces the cost of use.
System-level optimization
Through system-level optimization, DeepSeek has achieved a more powerful computing power with the support of limited AI chips. This innovative idea subverts the traditional Vanka cluster model, lowers the entry barrier for large language models and artificial intelligence, and enables more enterprises to enter this field.
4. Huawei’s cooperation with DeepSeek
4.1 Background of cooperation
With hardware stuck, Chinese companies began to use software to catch up. Huawei’s Ascend series of AI chips and DeepSeek are typical examples of this trend. The Ascend series chips have strong computing capabilities and high energy efficiency, ranging from the Ascend 310 to the Ascend 910, to meet different AI computing needs. At the same time, the full-stack AI software and hardware platform and CANN computing architecture provide all-round support for the development, deployment and operation of AI applications.
4.2 Technology Adaptation and Optimization
Synergies at the technical level
Huawei’s Ascend and DeepSeek V3 adaptation implements integrated support for domestic software and hardware, greatly improving inference efficiency. Powered by the computing power of the Ascend platform, DeepSeek V3 is optimized by the MindSpore inference engine to significantly reduce the inference latency when processing natural language processing tasks. The CANN of the Ascend platform and DeepSeek’s advanced algorithms complement each other to intelligently allocate computing resources, implement parallel computing, shorten training time, and improve model accuracy and generalization capabilities.
Model performance optimization
The combination of the Ascend platform’s CANN and DeepSeek’s advanced algorithms enables efficient computing resource allocation and parallel computing. This synergistic effect not only shortens the training time, but also improves the accuracy and generalization ability of the model, making DeepSeek V3 even better in real-world applications.
4.3 The significance of industrial development
Enhance the competitiveness of domestic AI
Huawei’s Ascend cooperation with DeepSeek not only enhances the competitiveness of domestic AI technologies, but also marks an important progress in hardware support for domestic AI. By optimizing the demand for computing power and reducing the training cost, it demonstrates the advantages of domestic AI in technological innovation and cost control.
Developer-friendliness
DeepSeek V3 supports multiple mainstream frameworks, providing developers with more choices and lowering the barrier to entry. Developers can easily get started and quickly deploy and apply models, which promotes the popularization and development of AI technology.
5. Responding to the Challenge: The Red Guest Alliance’s counterattack
5.1 Challenges
While DeepSeek has been hugely successful, it has also faced a siege from an unknown organization. Zhou pointed out that in order to prevent China from surpassing in the field of AI, some countries have launched large-scale state-level hacking attacks on startups like DeepSeek. This behavior is considered an unethical and unfair means of competition.
5.2 Establishment of the Red Guest Alliance
In the face of these challenges, Huawei and 360 acted quickly to form the Red Customer Alliance to jointly protect young technology pioneers. Zhou Hongyi, the founder of 360, said: “The hacker who can break into the 360 server has not yet been born. “The Red Guest Alliance was not only established overnight during the Spring Festival, but also opened an internal special machine to ensure the safe operation of DeepSeek.
5.3 Solidarity and unity
The establishment of the Red Guest Alliance reflects the spirit of solidarity of China’s high-tech enterprises. At the critical moment, many companies have reached out to help, showing the power of unity. This solidarity not only strengthens the resilience of Chinese technology companies, but also provides strong support for future development.
6. Looking to the future: the unlimited potential of China’s science and technology
6.1 A spark can start a prairie fire
Three years ago, it was only Huawei, and now there are more and more high-tech companies in China. The rise of these companies marks the growing power of China’s science and technology. Whether it is chips, operating systems or AI, China is constantly making new breakthroughs and achievements.
6.2 Continuous innovation and pursuit of excellence
In the future, Chinese technology companies will continue to seek breakthroughs in technological innovation and cost control. By continuously optimizing existing technologies, reducing costs, and improving product performance, Chinese technology will occupy a more important position in the global market.
6.3 Global Reach
As Chinese tech companies continue to grow, so will their global reach. Through cooperation and competition with international enterprises, China’s science and technology will be further integrated into the global market and make greater contributions to global scientific and technological progress.
conclusion
From “China Chip” to “China Intelligence”, Chinese technology companies have made remarkable achievements in the fields of chips, operating systems and AI. Huawei’s cooperation with DeepSeek not only demonstrates the strong strength of domestic software and hardware integration, but also lays a solid foundation for future development. In the face of external challenges, Chinese technology companies have shown the spirit of unity, and the establishment of the Red Guest Alliance has demonstrated the determination and wisdom of China’s science and technology community. In the future, China’s science and technology will continue to move forward on the road of innovation and write a more brilliant chapter.
