China has been producing a vast number of STEM graduates, but innovation is still not its forte. Recent success stories like DeepSeek’s AI breakthrough have sparked debate about the country’s ability to nurture talent.
While some Chinese view DeepSeek as proof of China’s education system being on par with that of the US or even surpassing it, others point to the high number of science Ph.D.s produced annually and the fact that top A.I. researchers now come from Chinese universities. Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, has praised fierce competition in Chinese schools for fueling its AI successes.
However, China’s education system faces significant obstacles beyond the classroom, including a grinding corporate culture and government control over innovation. DeepSeek managed to evade these pressures by keeping a low profile and prioritizing intellectual exploration. But it remains to be seen how long it can sustain this approach.
Experts say there is no gap in education between China and the US when it comes to A.I., but external factors, such as government intervention and corporate culture, hinder innovation. Chinese universities have produced top talent, including those at DeepSeek, which studied at prestigious institutions like Alibaba’s alma mater.
The Chinese government has blessed the AI sector, but its involvement can be a double-edged sword. Beijing’s crackdown on major tech companies in 2020 led to layoffs and reduced appeal for many students who opted for stable civil service jobs instead.
Despite these challenges, young people are driving innovation in China’s AI startups. Experts predict more successful Chinese A.I. start-ups will emerge soon. However, China’s long-term AI competitiveness hinges not only on its education system but also on its handling of private investors, entrepreneurs, and for-profit companies.
DeepSeek’s success may be attributed to its unique approach, which prioritized intellectual exploration and included humanities graduates in the hiring process. The company’s founder has emphasized the need for government intervention to get out of the way and allow innovation to flourish without management.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/10/world/asia/china-deepseek-education.html