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BEIJING-- The rise of Chinese tech companies like DeepSeek has shed light on the innovative and inclusive approach of China's sci-tech development, a spokesperson said Tuesday.

DeepSeek follows an open-source technological path, which has facilitated the wider application of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies worldwide and contributed China's wisdom to the world, Lou Qinjian, spokesperson for the third session of the 14th National People's Congress, told a press conference ahead of the opening of the session.

Earlier this year, Chinese tech start-up DeepSeek sent shock waves through the global AI industry and capital markets by introducing an open-source and popular chatbot.

Lou hailed AI as an important driver in the new round of sci-tech revolution and industrial transformation, while also recognising that the development of AI technologies "is accompanied by a series of unknown risks and challenges."

"The Chinese government attaches great importance to the development of AI and the related risk prevention," Lou said, adding that China protects data privacy and security in accordance with the law.

DeepSeek ;raised alarm last month when it claimed its new R1 chatbot matches the capacity of AI pace-setters in the United States for a fraction of the cost.

It has sent Silicon Valley into a frenzy, with some calling its high performance and supposed low cost a wake-up call for US developers.

Some experts have accused ;DeepSeek ;of reverse-engineering the capabilities of leading US technology, such as the AI powering ChatGPT.

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