On 6 March, Chinese tech giant Alibaba unveiled its latest AI reasoning model, claiming it outperforms similar models developed by OpenAI and the startup DeepSeek. The announcement sent Alibaba's Hong Kong-listed shares soaring by 8% by the end of the day and contributed to gains in the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index.

The ChatGPT maker calls for a ban on China-produced AI models 'that violate user privacy and create security risks such as the risk of IP theft.' But any ban would probably benefit OpenAI, too.

Recently, OpenAI shared a letter offering some recommendations to the US government regarding the protection of the local AI industry. In the letter, OpenAI also proposes that the US officially ban the use of DeepSeek AI in government or military segments.