DeepSeek builds massive AI cluster using Huawei chips amid U.S. sanctions
Source: Bloomberg (paywall)
DeepSeek plans to deploy 160,000+ Huawei Ascend 950DT chips to circumvent U.S. export restrictions on advanced semiconductors. The move creates an alternative supply chain for large-scale AI training outside American technology ecosystems. Chinese AI companies can now build competitive infrastructure by combining domestic chip design with massive capital investment, altering which players can compete in frontier model development and limiting Western leverage through semiconductor export controls.