As cited in The New York Times, the Exiger Threat Actor Intelligence tool identified DeepSeek-affiliated researchers’ broader affiliations and funding networks, revealing links to China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA), other state-backed programs, and even U.S. universities and companies.
DeepSeek, the Chinese AI company that released a large language model of the same name to international acclaim earlier this year, reportedly did so at a cost of just under $6 million without external Chinese government funding.
The latest analysis from the Exiger Threat Actor Intelligence tool reveals a different narrative, identifying DeepSeek-affiliated researchers’ broader affiliations and funding networks.
This report, DeepSeek’s Deception: How the Chinese Military and Government Funded DeepSeek’s AI Research, shows links to China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA), other state-backed programs, and even U.S. universities and companies.
Exiger analysis shows where DeepSeek researchers have:
- Worked on 396 AI research projects funded by the PLA
- Past and/or current affiliations with 42 PRC government talent recruitment programs and over 375 PRC government-affiliated entities
- Worked on AI projects with over 40 U.S. universities and companies within the last five years
Download the report to see the full scope of DeepSeek’s ties beyond its direct publication footprint, and implications for export controls, research security, and investment risks.
