US-China Tech Gap Centers on Computing Access

Bridging the Computing Divide

DeepSeek's Liang Wenfeng revealed the main US-China tech gap in a leaked four-hour investor talk on July 23, 2026. Liang, DeepSeek's leader, highlighted the disparity in computing access and Nvidia's CUDA technology. This disclosure came as tech companies continue to advance in AI and cloud computing.

The gap in computing access is largely attributed to the dominance of Nvidia's CUDA, a platform that enables developers to create applications for its graphics processing units. Liang emphasized that this technology has become a significant barrier for Chinese companies to develop their own AI capabilities. As a result, Chinese tech firms are struggling to keep pace with their US counterparts.

DeepSeek is among the Chinese companies attempting to bridge this gap by developing alternative technologies. However, Liang acknowledged that catching up with Nvidia's established ecosystem would be challenging. The company's efforts are part of a broader push by Chinese tech firms to reduce their reliance on US technology.

Can China Close the CUDA Gap?

Liang's comments underscore the complexities of China's tech ambitions. While China has made significant strides in AI research, its companies face significant hurdles in developing the necessary infrastructure. The US has imposed restrictions on China's access to advanced computing technologies, further exacerbating the issue.

The US-China tech gap has significant implications for the global tech industry. As the competition between the two nations intensifies, it is likely to drive innovation, but also raises concerns about access to technology and the potential for fragmentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main US-China tech gap according to Liang Wenfeng? The main gap is in computing access and Nvidia's CUDA technology. This disparity hinders Chinese companies' ability to develop their own AI capabilities.

What is DeepSeek doing to address this gap? DeepSeek is developing alternative technologies to Nvidia's CUDA. The company aims to reduce its reliance on US technology.

Will China be able to close the CUDA gap? It is challenging for China to catch up with Nvidia's established ecosystem, but Chinese tech firms are making efforts to bridge the gap.