China Advances in AI Race Amid Global Industry Shifts

African business columns warn that China’s mix of tight controls on foreign deals and ultra-cheap AI models could tilt the global race in its favour. Writers note that while DeepSeek’s pricing has not impressed investors, it could still draw users and governments in emerging markets that are priced out of Western models. They expect African countries to face tougher choices between low-cost Chinese AI tools and more expensive Western offerings with different political and data conditions.

• •African commentators argue that China may be gradually winning the AI arms race through state-backed firms and export controls.
• •DeepSeek’s steeply discounted V4 model is seen as a way to capture users in price-sensitive markets, including Africa.
• •Investors in Johannesburg and other African markets doubt that DeepSeek’s current pricing can deliver strong profits.
• •China’s block on the Manus deal is interpreted as a sign that Beijing will keep tightening control over AI hardware and robotics.
• •African governments are expected to weigh cheaper Chinese AI services against Western models that may come with stricter data and governance conditions.

Chinese commentary portrays the Manus decision as a justified move to protect national security and long-term industrial interests. Writers argue that allowing Meta to absorb Manus would risk handing sensitive robotics and embodied AI capabilities to a US firm already under scrutiny in China. They expect Beijing to keep tightening controls on foreign takeovers and data-rich AI assets while backing domestic champions like DeepSeek.