Chinese State-Linked Accounts Promoted DeepSeek AI Before U.S. Tech Stock Decline, Report Says

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A new report by online analysis firm Graphika reveals that Chinese state-affiliated social media accounts actively promoted the launch of DeepSeek AI ahead of a sharp decline in U.S. technology stocks. These accounts, including those of Chinese diplomats, embassies, and state media, amplified narratives celebrating DeepSeek’s advancements, portraying them as a challenge to U.S. dominance in artificial intelligence.

The promotional efforts appeared on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, as well as Chinese services like Weibo and Toutiao. According to Graphika, this coordinated activity is part of China’s broader strategy to shape online narratives and highlight Beijing’s progress in key technological fields.

Graphika also linked DeepSeek-related content to previously identified Chinese influence campaigns, including the Shadow Play operation, which has spread pro-China and anti-Western messaging across YouTube and other platforms. The report found a small spike in discussions about DeepSeek’s AI model on X immediately after its January 20 launch, followed by a significant surge over the weekend.

By Monday, DeepSeek’s AI assistant had surpassed OpenAI’s ChatGPT in Apple App Store downloads, coinciding with a sell-off in U.S. tech stocks that erased $593 billion from Nvidia’s market value in a single day—the largest loss in Wall Street history.

The U.S. government has raised concerns over DeepSeek’s access to restricted AI chips. The Commerce Department is currently investigating whether the company has used unauthorized U.S. technology, amid allegations—so far unproven—that it improperly accessed advancements from OpenAI and other industry leaders.

STMicroelectronics Considers Job Cuts in France and Italy Amid Restructuring

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STMicroelectronics, the French-Italian semiconductor company, is reportedly planning to reduce its workforce by up to 3,000 jobs, or approximately 6% of its employees, across its French and Italian plants. This move is part of a broader restructuring initiative aimed at cost reduction, as reported by Bloomberg News. While the company did not confirm the exact number of job cuts, CEO Jean-Marc Chery mentioned during the company’s fourth-quarter earnings call that talks with unions would begin regarding voluntary headcount reductions, as part of a $300 million cost-saving program.

Union leaders have raised concerns, with FIOM CGIL union officials in both Brianza and Catania, where STMicroelectronics operates plants, seeking reassurance from the Italian government on maintaining current job levels and ensuring new investments and hiring. The company recently introduced an early retirement program, offering one position for every three workers retiring.

Despite these concerns, the company is continuing to receive significant support, including a €2 billion grant from the Italian government for building a new microchip plant that will create 3,000 jobs.

 

Japan PM to Meet OpenAI and SoftBank CEOs Amid AI Investment Talks

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Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is set to meet with Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, and Masayoshi Son, CEO of SoftBank Group, on Monday, as announced by the Japanese government. The meeting is expected to center on artificial intelligence (AI) developments and investment opportunities.

This comes shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement that OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle will form a joint venture aimed at investing up to $500 billion to develop AI infrastructure. The move highlights the growing global importance of AI, with Japan seeking to bolster its position in the sector by engaging with key players like OpenAI and SoftBank.