The Facts
Chinese technology firm Alibaba on Tuesday announced plans to release its own ChatGPT-style Artificial Intelligence (AI) named Tongyi Qianwen. Alibaba becomes the latest company to reveal its own generative AI chatbot in recent months.
The chatbot’s name broadly translates to "truth from a thousand questions.” Its language model will be integrated into DingTalk, Alibaba's workplace messaging app, as well as Tmall Genie, Alibaba's voice assistant.
The Spin
Pro-China narrative
Companies like Alibaba, Baidu, and NetEase highlight how China is becoming a leader in developing AI technology. These language models will usher in speedy growth within the country, and become a driving force in the next technological and industrial revolution with China at the forefront.
Anti-China narrative
Although Wall Street is gripped with AI mania, everyone should be cautious about China’s venture into this realm. Investors have learned tough lessons from past PRC regulations on technology, and a state crackdown could easily be imminent. China is promising growth, but that doesn’t mean it will happen.