China has criticised a United States government decision to prohibit federal agencies from using artificial intelligence tools developed by Chinese startup DeepSeek, accusing Washington of stretching national security concerns too far.
Beijing said on Tuesday that the restriction amounted to an excessive use of national security arguments in matters involving technology, science and trade.
“China has consistently opposed the overstretching of the concept of national security and the politicisation of issues related to science, technology, and trade,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters at a news conference.
The dispute comes as the two global powers intensify their competition for leadership in artificial intelligence, with both sides raising concerns over technology security and alleged intellectual property theft.
On Monday, the US Department of Homeland Security directed civilian government agencies to stop using DeepSeek products, including third-party tools built with the company's technology.
The department warned that the software could expose sensitive government information to China if used by federal employees or contractors.
“DeepSeek’s models present multiple threat vectors,” the department said, adding that the tools should be removed from government IT devices.
It also expressed concern that DeepSeek's servers are based in China, where the legal framework gives authorities “extensive authority” to access private companies' infrastructure.
However, the restriction does not cover the US military or intelligence agencies, as the Department of Homeland Security's directives apply to civilian government bodies.
China's foreign ministry said Beijing would defend the interests of Chinese businesses amid the growing restrictions.