Huawei is strengthening China’s AI autonomy by making DeepSeek’s advanced language models available on its Ascend cloud platform. This move reduces reliance on foreign technology and highlights China’s push for self-sufficiency in AI development.
Huawei Teams Up with SiliconFlow
Huawei’s cloud computing division collaborated with Beijing-based AI infrastructure start-up SiliconFlow to host DeepSeek’s large language model V3 and reasoning model R1 on its Ascend cloud service. Huawei claims that these models operate with performance levels comparable to those powered by top-tier global GPUs.
Despite the Lunar New Year holidays, Huawei and SiliconFlow worked relentlessly to ensure users could access DeepSeek’s models efficiently and affordably.
Affordable AI Access
SiliconFlow announced significantly discounted pricing for using DeepSeek’s models:
- V3 Model: 1 yuan (US$0.13) per 1 million input tokens, 2 yuan per 1 million output tokens
- R1 Model: 4 yuan per 1 million input tokens, 16 yuan per 1 million output tokens
These lower costs make AI applications more accessible, benefiting developers and businesses looking to integrate AI solutions.
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DeepSeek Gains Global Recognition
DeepSeek’s models are gaining traction not just in China, but also in the US. Major American tech companies are integrating these AI models into their platforms:
- Microsoft supports R1 on Azure and GitHub, allowing developers to run AI applications on Copilot+ PCs.
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) enables users to build applications powered by DeepSeek’s R1 model.
- Tencent, China’s leading tech giant, adopted R1 on its cloud platform, promising a three-minute easy setup process.
China’s Push for AI Independence
Huawei’s Ascend cloud service runs on home-grown hardware, which includes self-developed server clusters, AI modules, and accelerator cards. Although Huawei and SiliconFlow have not disclosed the exact chips used, the move aligns with China’s efforts to reduce reliance on foreign semiconductors.
The US government has tightened restrictions on China’s access to high-end chips, citing concerns over their potential military applications. In response, Huawei and other Chinese firms are accelerating the development of domestic AI infrastructure.
DeepSeek’s Disruptive Impact
Hangzhou-based DeepSeek has shocked Silicon Valley and Wall Street with its ability to develop cutting-edge AI models at a fraction of the cost compared to US competitors.
The Future of AI in China
By hosting DeepSeek’s models on Ascend cloud, Huawei is not just expanding China’s AI capabilities but also challenging the dominance of Western AI companies. As AI technology evolves, China’s self-sufficient AI ecosystem will likely play a crucial role in shaping the global AI landscape.
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