DeepSeek Opts for Huawei Chips to Train Some Models

DeepSeek, one of China’s leading artificial intelligence developers, has decided to use Huawei Technologies’ AI chips to train some of its AI models, a sign it is reducing its reliance on Nvidia chips, according to three people with knowledge of the effort. The move follows pressure by the Chinese government on local tech companies to use locally made chips more.

DeepSeek continues to use Nvidia chips for its largest and most powerful AI models. Even so, the decision to use Huawei chips for training smaller models signals a turning point in the use of U.S. technology by Chinese AI companies. It follows years of growing U.S. restrictions on the export of advanced chips to China, and a push by Chinese authorities for the country’s tech industry to become more self-reliant.