China opposes US ban on DeepSeek in government agencies

Beijing on Tuesday condemned the US Department of Homeland Security’s ban on DeepSeek AI tools in civilian government agencies, saying it overstretched the concept of national security. Washington says the tools could transfer sensitive data to China, where authorities have extensive power to access private companies’ infrastructure. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China would protect its businesses and opposed politicising science, technology and trade. The two countries, locked in an AI rivalry, agreed in September to establish a communication channel for AI incidents.