WASHINGTON, Feb 23 (GeokHub) – A senior U.S. administration official said Chinese AI startup DeepSeek trained its latest artificial intelligence model using Nvidia’s most advanced AI chip, known as Blackwell — a development that could represent a breach of U.S. export controls.
According to the official, the model, expected to be released as early as next week, was trained using Blackwell chips that are currently restricted from export to China under U.S. trade rules overseen by the Commerce Department.
The official did not disclose how U.S. authorities obtained the information or how DeepSeek allegedly acquired the chips. However, they emphasized that U.S. policy does not permit shipments of Blackwell processors to China.
Export Controls and Policy Tensions
The claim could intensify debate in Washington over how strictly to enforce access to advanced AI semiconductors. Blackwell processors represent Nvidia’s most powerful generation of AI hardware, widely viewed as critical infrastructure for developing frontier AI systems.
U.S. export rules currently bar Blackwell sales to China. While President Donald Trump previously signaled openness to limited sales of scaled-down versions, he later reversed course, stating that the most advanced chips should remain within U.S. markets.
Shipments of Nvidia’s H200 chips — considered the company’s second most advanced offering — have also faced regulatory guardrails and delays.
Strategic and National Security Concerns
Hardline policymakers argue that allowing advanced AI chips into China risks accelerating military and strategic AI capabilities. Others contend that controlled access may prevent domestic Chinese firms from doubling down on independent chip development led by companies such as Huawei.
The Chinese embassy in Washington reiterated Beijing’s opposition to what it describes as excessive national security framing and politicization of technology trade.
Distillation and Model Development
The U.S. official also suggested that DeepSeek’s model development may have involved a process known as “distillation,” where newer models are trained using outputs from more advanced systems developed by U.S.-based AI leaders.
Distillation techniques have become a focal point in the global AI race, as companies attempt to replicate high-end reasoning and performance capabilities while reducing training costs.
DeepSeek drew international attention last year after unveiling AI models that rivaled leading U.S. systems, sparking concerns in Washington that China could narrow the AI gap despite export restrictions.
If confirmed, the reported use of Blackwell chips could further complicate trade negotiations and deepen divisions among U.S. policymakers over the future of AI semiconductor controls.
Nvidia declined to comment, while the Commerce Department and DeepSeek did not immediately respond to inquiries.
