Originally published in The Whirl of ReOrientation on January 28, 2025.
In the realm of digital innovation, China’s latest move with DeepSeek has raised eyebrows and questions about its underlying intentions. If you’ve read “Unrestricted Warfare,” a seminal text by two Chinese colonels, you’d understand why. This book, which has been on the radar of strategists like recent No Way Out guest, Bill DiMarco, outlines a warfare strategy that transcends traditional military engagement, aiming to subdue opponents through non-kinetic means—exactly what we might be witnessing with DeepSeek.
DeepSeek isn’t just another AI model; it’s a strategic asset. Here’s why:
Chess, Not Checkers: As discussed by DiMarco, China plays the long game, much like the principles laid out in “Unrestricted Warfare.” They’re not just aiming for technological supremacy but are also engaging in a subtle form of intellectual property (IP) warfare. By releasing DeepSeek, they could be showcasing their prowess while simultaneously setting a trap for Western tech firms, customers, and investors into handing over more data. Perhaps the release of DeepSeek was a probe into how to disrupt financial markets…
The IP Heist: The strategy of IP theft isn’t new in China’s playbook. From stealing blueprints to tech secrets, this has been a way to leapfrog in various industries. DeepSeek could be a sophisticated lure in this ongoing game, where the West might unknowingly share its own advancements in AI, thus accelerating China’s tech evolution.
Cultural and Geopolitical Nuance: The mention of the Golden Section in Unrestricted Warfare isn’t just about aesthetics but about understanding and leveraging the inherent patterns in human behavior and geopolitics. China uses this to predict and influence outcomes, making DeepSeek not just an AI tool but a cultural and strategic statement.
Asymmetric Warfare: Remember, unrestricted warfare is about hitting where it hurts without direct confrontation. DeepSeek could be part of a broader strategy to dominate the narrative in AI development, control the pace of technological discourse, and perhaps even dictate the direction of global tech policy to their advantage.
As we marvel at DeepSeek’s capabilities (or perceived capabilities), let’s not forget the strategic layers at play. Are we looking at a technological marvel, or are we witnessing a chapter from “Unrestricted Warfare” unfold? Only time, and perhaps more transparency, will tell if this AI model is indeed a strategic chess move in a larger game of global influence and IP warfare.
My view: DeepSeek is simply an overt move by China in the ongoing Strategic Game of Interaction and Isolation.
-Ponch
#DeepSeek #UnrestrictedWarfare #AI