Beijing-backed Zhipu AI, blacklisted by US, emerges as top rival to OpenAI in global AI race; expands internationally with $1.4B state funding

Blacklisted by the U.S. and backed by Beijing, this Chinese AI startup has caught OpenAI's attention

The Zhipu AI logo is seen displayed on a smartphone screen. Sopa Images | Lightrocket | Getty ImagesOpenAI is putting a spotlight on an under-the-radar artificial intelligence startup that it believes is on the "front line" of China's race to lead the world in AI — and its not DeepSeek. In a blog post on Wednesday, the company wrote that Beijing-backed Zhipu AI has made "notable progress" in the AI race, as global competition ramps up.Zhipu AI, founded in 2019, has been referred by domestic medi...