The Washington Post reports that several key employees at DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup that has recently gained significant market attention, previously worked at Microsoft Research Asia. This raises concerns about the potential transfer of American technology and intellectual property to China, as well as the cultivation of talent that could be used by Chinese firms competing with US interests.
At least four current DeepSeek employees, including a key department chief, previously worked at Microsoft Research Asia, according to public profiles on the coding site GitHub and LinkedIn viewed by The Post.
When reached for comment, Microsoft confirmed having ties to the researchers, but sought to downplay the training they received from the company. Tasks include “data analysis, algorithm design, algorithm implementation, experimental analysis, and result presentation” and applicants must be Master’s or PhD students to be considered.
“Any American company that provides employment to China, Chinese engineers, is, per se, transferring American know-how,” said Paul Rosenzweig, a former Homeland Security deputy assistant secretary. “I have no doubt that that know-how, to some degree, is empowering Chinese advancement.”DeepSeek, which does not appear to have a dedicated media relations team, could not be reached for comment.
Microsoft pushed back on the Times’ report last year, with executive Peter Lee stating there was “no discussion or advocacy to close Microsoft Research Asia.”Last May, Microsoft asked hundreds of China-based employees in AI and cloud-computing roles to consider transferring to other countries, including the US or Australia – a move widely attributed to the scrutiny the company has faced in Washington DC.
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