In recent times, the technological progress from China has garnered global interest, with DeepSeek—an AI model from China—taking center stage as a source of both respect and apprehension.

This dichotomy illustrates a profound tension regarding how the United States views technological advancement emerging from China, unveiling intricate layers of trepidation, rivalry, and introspection.

A recent discussion featuring experts at the University of Michigan’s Digital Studies Institute examined the increasing influence of these innovations, illuminating the tensions currently shaping the competitive landscape of global technology.

Contradictory Standards

As journalist Jeff Yang, author of “Golden Screen,” articulated, China’s rapid advancement in incorporating AI and other technologies into societal roles, such as healthcare and security, is perceived by many in the West as a formidable leap.

“China poses a significant threat not merely because of its innovations but due to its seeming acceleration in the integration of technologies,” he remarked.

This swift embrace stands in contrast to Silicon Valley’s own eagerness for rapid technological evolution, yet when China manifests these ideals, it commonly elicits a deep sense of existential alarm.

DeepSeek embodies this conflict.

As noted by Tara Fickle, associate professor of Asian American studies at Northwestern University, DeepSeek symbolizes “innovation” and signifies a notable departure from the conventional view that confines China to a manufacturing role. This transformation prompts “a sense of cognitive dissonance” as China exceeds expectations by innovating under constraints, challenging the prevalent narrative of Western technological dominance.

Techno-Orientalism

Complicating the conversation is the notion of “techno-Orientalism,” as highlighted by Fickle. This term refers to the Western perspective on East Asia, particularly Japan and China, through a lens that associates technology with exoticism, futurism, and dehumanization. Within this framework, China serves as a “reflection of cultural arrogance” that mirrors Western fears—what the U.S. might evolve into or what it potentially could have been. These fears are evident in concerns regarding data collection, surveillance, and automation.

DeepSeek’s technological triumph exacerbates these insecurities, offering an unsettling reminder of the economic vibrancy that Chinese innovation signifies.

Historical Echoes

Ian Shin, assistant professor of American culture at U-M, provided a historical context for these anxieties. By examining the power dynamics between the U.S. and China over the years, he indicated that contemporary fears resemble historical instances where foreign innovation incited nationalistic reactions. A pertinent case is that of Vincent Chin, a Chinese American killed by two white individuals who were influenced by “Japanophobia,” driven by fears that Japan’s automotive sector was surpassing the U.S. industry during the 1980s.

Shin’s viewpoint implies that beneath these technological apprehensions lies a fundamental hesitation to fully recognize the consequences of such progress, especially when it emanates from a nation regarded as a rival both ideologically and economically. This historical perspective offers insight into why China’s technological successes, exemplified by DeepSeek, evoke both fear and a sense of missed chance.

Concerns Over Security

On the subject of security, Shin noted that the idea of national security is often invoked by the U.S. government to rationalize policies, frequently in a manipulative fashion. He asserted that this approach stems from a misguided zero-sum mentality, where one nation’s gain is perceived to be at the cost of another’s. He advocates instead for a vision of security grounded in cooperation and mutual benefit.

Yang elaborated on this notion, underscoring how national security is frequently utilized to legitimize xenophobic and racially biased policies, particularly against Asian Americans who often experience suspicion, surveillance, and deportation. The fear surrounding China’s technological advancements is often projected onto Chinese Americans, exacerbating racial stereotypes and cultivating an atmosphere of fear.

Fickle noted that the emergence of AI has introduced new complexities to security issues. She stressed the importance of critical thinking, digital literacy, and clearer measures to safeguard individuals from manipulation. Nevertheless, she remarked that the tendency to displace these anxieties onto China rather than confronting them directly undermines our capacity to devise effective solutions.