Cities across China are increasingly integrating DeepSeek, an emerging AI platform, into their government services to enhance efficiency and streamline public administration. This trend is part of a broader initiative to leverage artificial intelligence in governance, reflecting a significant shift towards digital transformation in local administrations.
- Widespread Adoption: As of mid-February 2025, at least eight cities, including Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Hohhot, have begun implementing DeepSeek's AI capabilities in their operations. These cities are utilizing the platform to automate various administrative tasks, significantly improving service delivery and operational efficiency.
- AI Powered Public Servants: In Shenzhen's Futian District, for example, 70 AI-driven "public servants" have been deployed to handle 240 specific administrative functions. These include document processing and emergency response management, which have reportedly reduced processing times from days to mere minutes and improved accuracy rates in document handling.
- Enhanced Service Efficiency: The integration of DeepSeek has led to notable improvements in public service response times. For instance, the categorization accuracy of service requests has jumped from 70% to 95%, while the efficiency of investment assistance has increased by 30%.
- Document Processing: The AI systems can draft administrative documents almost instantaneously after receiving case details, which streamlines workflows significantly.
- Public Interaction: Cities like Guangzhou are employing DeepSeek to manage hotlines and public inquiries more effectively, resulting in a 43% reduction in average waiting times for citizen calls.
- Policy Communication: The technology is also being used to explain government policies to the public and improve internal workflows within government departments.
The rapid adoption of DeepSeek is indicative of China's commitment to advancing its AI capabilities amid global competition. The Chinese government is fostering an environment conducive to technological innovation through supportive policies and investments in AI development. This includes the establishment of national AI pilot zones aimed at enhancing practical applications of AI across various sectors.
Moreover, the integration of AI technologies like DeepSeek into public services is expected to create new job opportunities while transforming existing roles within government sectors. Experts suggest that while some traditional jobs may be affected, AI will primarily serve to augment human capabilities rather than replace them entirely .
In summary, the integration of DeepSeek into government services across Chinese cities marks a significant step towards more efficient and responsive governance. As these technologies continue to evolve, they promise to reshape the landscape of public administration in China, setting a precedent for other nations exploring similar advancements.