US official alleges DeepSeek trained new AI model on Nvidia Blackwell chips despite export ban
A senior US administration official has alleged that Chinese artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek trained its upcoming AI model using Nvidia’s most advanced Blackwell chips, raising questions about potential violations of US export controls.
According to the official, DeepSeek’s next generation model, expected to be released soon, was developed with Blackwell processors that are currently restricted from shipment to China under US Commerce Department rules. The person said US authorities believe the high performance chips are clustered at a DeepSeek data center located in Inner Mongolia, though details on how the company obtained the hardware were not disclosed.
The Blackwell series represents Nvidia’s latest generation of AI accelerators, designed to handle large scale model training and inference for advanced generative AI systems. Under current export control regulations, shipments of these top tier chips to China are barred due to national security concerns. Washington has argued that unrestricted access to cutting edge semiconductors could enhance China’s military and strategic capabilities.
Nvidia declined to comment on the allegation, while DeepSeek and the US Commerce Department did not immediately respond to requests for clarification. The Chinese embassy in Washington reiterated Beijing’s opposition to what it describes as the politicization of trade and technology issues, and criticized the expansive use of export controls.
The accusation adds to growing tension over semiconductor restrictions and the broader AI race between the United States and China. In recent months, US policymakers have debated whether allowing limited sales of slightly downgraded AI chips to Chinese firms would reduce incentives for domestic Chinese chipmakers to accelerate development of homegrown alternatives. Others argue that any access to advanced processors risks undermining US technological leadership.
DeepSeek gained international attention after releasing AI models that competed with leading US systems in reasoning and coding tasks. If confirmed, the use of Blackwell chips could intensify scrutiny of supply chains and compliance mechanisms designed to enforce export restrictions.
The official also suggested that DeepSeek may attempt to remove technical indicators within its model that could reveal reliance on US hardware. Industry analysts note that tracking the specific chips used to train a model can be complex, particularly when global supply chains involve intermediaries and data center operators.
The case underscores the challenges facing regulators as AI development becomes increasingly globalized. While export controls aim to limit access to strategic technologies, enforcement depends on monitoring hardware flows and ensuring compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
As Washington and Beijing continue to compete for dominance in artificial intelligence and advanced semiconductors, disputes over chip access are likely to remain a central flashpoint in the evolving tech rivalry.
