Chinese AI Startup DeepSeek Trains Model Using Nvidia Blackwell Chips Despite U.S. Ban

Chinese AI startup DeepSeek reportedly trained its latest AI model using Nvidia's most advanced Blackwell chips, despite U.S. export controls prohibiting such shipments to China. A senior Trump administration official indicated DeepSeek may have removed technical markers revealing the chips' origin. The U.S. government has not disclosed how DeepSeek obtained the chips. Nvidia and DeepSeek declined to comment, while China criticized U.S. export restrictions as politicized. The development raises concerns among U.S. policymakers about Chinese access to advanced AI technology and its potential military applications.