Are Chinese AI developers obtaining banned chips through smuggling routes?
Core argument: DeepSeek used Nvidia Blackwell chips barred from export to China, which were smuggled in through countries where their sale was permitted, The Information reported, citing unnamed sources.
Nvidia’s Blackwell chips were smuggled into China through countries that permitted their sale, The Information reported, citing unnamed sources. More specifically, DeepSeek tapped chips that were installed in data centers in unspecified countries, then dismantled and shipped to China after clearing inspection by companies developing server equipment. A representative for DeepSeek didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.


