OpenAI has identified Zhipu AI, a Chinese AI startup, as a significant player in the global AI landscape. Zhipu AI, backed by the Chinese government, is making strides in securing contracts with governments and state-owned firms, particularly in regions like Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. This move is part of China's broader strategy to establish itself as a leader in AI and reduce reliance on Western technology.
Zhipu AI offers AI solutions, including large language model infrastructure and hardware, often in collaboration with Huawei. The company has garnered substantial state funding and maintains close ties with Chinese state entities. OpenAI's highlighting of Zhipu AI underscores the intensifying competition in the AI sector, where companies are increasingly seen as proxies in national technological rivalries.
Despite being added to the US Commerce Department's export control entity list, Zhipu AI continues to expand its reach, presenting a challenge to US dominance in the AI arena. OpenAI's move to recognise Zhipu AI's progress effectively raises the Chinese company's profile on the global stage.
