At the World Internet Conference in Wuzhen, DeepSeek researcher Chen Deli appeared publicly on behalf of CEO Liang Wenfeng, marking one of the company’s first open industry engagements.
Chen described current human-machine collaboration as a “honeymoon phase,” cautioning that widespread automation could threaten employment across sectors.
The company, known for its fast-advancing AGI model, used the platform to call for mechanisms like AI whistle-blower roles to address ethical and labour concerns.
Emerging Voice in China’s AI Landscape
DeepSeek’s decision to engage publicly signals an evolution in how China’s AI labs position themselves. Instead of remaining behind closed research doors, the company is beginning to shape public discourse around the social consequences of AGI.
By acknowledging potential disruption, DeepSeek frames itself as both a technological pioneer and a responsible stakeholder in China’s rapidly expanding AI ecosystem.
China’s leading AI firms, often referred to as the “six little dragons,” are competing globally to reach AGI. DeepSeek’s caution stands apart for its frank tone at a time when most peers focus solely on performance milestones.
The company’s balanced stance between progress and precaution may influence how regulators, labour agencies, and enterprises perceive their social obligations amid accelerating automation.
The Bigger Picture
DeepSeek’s cautionary tone comes amid increasing scrutiny of job automation risks and complex geopolitics around AI leadership. While many China-based AI firms focus on state-aligned goals, DeepSeek appears to be mapping both capability and consequence.
Historically, similar prowls in AI discourse have occurred during earlier tech transitions when firms shifted from infrastructure build to system realignment.
If other Chinese labs adopt similar openness, China’s AI communication culture could shift toward proactive risk framing. This may accelerate regulatory conversations about AI oversight, labour adaptation, and social safeguards.
Investors could begin to value companies that pair AGI ambition with credible accountability strategies, setting a precedent for responsible growth.
Ongoing Shift
This story warrants watching the next three signals: DeepSeek’s published roadmap and any job-automation metrics, responses from international regulators or labour agencies, and how other Chinese AI firms publicly address automation risk.
The timing, transparency, and action that follow this statement will determine whether it becomes a strategic turning point in AGI-era human-machine coordination.
