China is aiming to challenge the U.S. in artificial intelligence. China’s technology magnates have introduced their own AI models. 

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Global attention on generative artificial intelligence has been centered on prominent U.S. enterprises like OpenAI, Alphabet’s Google, and Meta. However, some of China’s titans, from Alibaba to Tencent, have launched their personal AI models in recent months, seeking to benefit from the excitement surrounding the technology.

China’s aspirations to emerge as a worldwide leader in AI adds an additional dimension to the nation’s technology rivalry with the U.S. China has been perceived as lagging behind the U.S., but the competition is intensifying.

Generative AI involves applications such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which can craft text, images, and even videos based on user cues. These applications are fueled by extensive AI models that are trained on substantial quantities of data, such as Google’s Gemini.

Chinese technology enterprises have had to cautiously navigate the release of their technology as Beijing enforces strict regulations for AI models and their applications.

Let’s delve into the remarkable Chinese AI models developed by the nation’s top technology giants.

Baidu: ERNIE

Baidu, a major internet corporation in China, was among the pioneers in the country to unveil generative AI applications. Its model powers Ernie Bot, an AI chatbot crafted to rival OpenAI’s ChatGPT, boasting 300 million users, as claimed by the Chinese company.

Prior to the “Turbo” iteration of the model, Baidu asserted that its latest version — Ernie 4.0 — possesses capabilities on par with OpenAI’s GPT-4. The foundational model can comprehend and engage in reasoning, according to Baidu.

Similar to other firms, Baidu is offering the utility to leverage its AI model through its cloud computing division.

Alibaba: Tongyi Qianwen

Alibaba unveiled its series of foundational models, Tongyi Qianwen, last year. Often referred to as Qwen, Alibaba has engineered various versions capable of executing diverse tasks. For instance, one model is dedicated to content creation or solving mathematical problems. Another can interpret audio inputs and provide text-based outcomes.

Several editions of its Qwen models are open-sourced, permitting free downloads, with certain restrictions, and utilization by developers.

Alibaba disclosed in May that its Qwen models have been employed by over 90,000 enterprise users.

Tencent: Hunyuan

Tencent unveiled its proprietary foundational model titled Hunyuan last year.

Firms can access Hunyuan’s capabilities through Tencent’s cloud computing enterprise. Tencent has indicated that Hunyuan possesses robust Chinese language processing capabilities and “advanced” logical reasoning. The model supports functionalities including image generation and text recognition.

Tencent has positioned the model as suitable for enterprises across various sectors, from gaming to social media and e-commerce.

Tencent operates China’s largest messaging application, WeChat. Earlier this year, the company introduced an AI chatbot based on its Hunyuan model. The AI assistant, known as Yuanbao, can extract information and content from WeChat, as Tencent strives to distinguish its offerings from competitors.

Huawei: Pangu

Huawei has adopted a slightly different strategy from competitors with its Pangu AI models. It has formulated several AI models targeted at clients in specific industries such as government, finance, manufacturing, mining, and meteorology.

For instance, Huawei mentioned that its Pangu Meteorology Model can anticipate the path of a typhoon over a duration of 10 days in approximately 10 seconds, as opposed to the prior 4 to 5 hours it required.

These models, marketed through the firm’s cloud computing enterprise, can also support generative functionalities like code generation and virtual human avatars.

ByteDance: Doubao

ByteDance, the owner of TikTok, launched an AI model this year, making a tardy entry into the competition against rivals like Baidu and Alibaba.

Nevertheless, ByteDance unveiled its AI model at a considerably lower cost than other enterprises.

The Doubao model can generate voices and code for developers, among other capabilities.