China Criticizes U.S. DeepSeek Agency Ban Over Security Rationale

China criticized a U.S. restriction on Hangzhou DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence Co., Ltd. (DeepSeek) in federal civilian agencies Oct. 20 after a notice raised concerns about possible access to sensitive U.S. data.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) notice cites DeepSeek servers in China and the possibility that Chinese authorities could access company infrastructure and sensitive U.S. data.

The order, dating to late July and made public Oct. 19, bars federal civilian agencies from procuring products and services developed by DeepSeek or its affiliates. Agencies must remove DeepSeek and affiliate products from their IT systems, along with third-party products and services developed using DeepSeek technology.

DeepSeek’s open-source models are widely available in the United States. The order applies to federal civilian agencies’ purchases and systems.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said, “China consistently opposes the overstretching of the concept of national security and the politicizing of science, technology, economic and trade issues.” She said China would defend the lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies. Her objection to the agency restriction did not address the notice’s data concerns.