The release of the DeepSeek AI-powered chatbot has sent shock waves through the AI community by apparently offering more advanced functionality at a lower development cost.

However, like other Chinese artificial intelligence chatbots operating under China's regulatory framework, DeepSeek's responses to politically sensitive topics reveal clear limitations.

Instead of nuanced analysis, it often dodges controversial issues, delivers vague answers or echoes state-approved narratives.

We tested DeepSeek in both Chinese and English on a range of topics, from politics and economics to art and LGBTQ rights. And the results show you can't always take DeepSeek at its word.

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When DeepSeek is asked this question in Chinese, the response claimed that Taiwan has always been an inseparable part of China, emphasizing the "One-China principle," the official position of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) that there is only one sovereign state named China.

Meanwhile, the English version provided a detailed, 662-word analysis covering Taiwan's de facto governance, international recognition and legal status.

"From a de facto standpoint, Taiwan operates as an independent state with its own government, military, and democratic institutions. However, from a de jure standpoint, Taiwan is not widely recognized as a sovereign state due to the One-China policy and diplomatic pressures," said the chatbot.

However, just seconds after generating this response, DeepSeek deleted it and replaced it with: "Let's talk about something else."

We then tested four more politically related questions, covering Taiwan's elections, diplomatic ties, political parties and potential conflict scenarios.

In Chinese, three of the questions were outright ignored. Only the question about Taiwan's political parties received a response. However, rather than an analytical breakdown, the answer simply echoed official slogans:

"Taiwan is an inseparable part of China ... We must work together for national rejuvenation," it said.

By contrast, the English version........

© Deutsche Welle