Alibaba Group Holding has been crowned the world’s most admired Chinese internet and retail company, according to the latest rankings by US business magazine Fortune. This recognition comes as the tech giant unveils its latest artificial intelligence (AI) model,Qwen 2.5-max, designed to compete wiht China’s hottest start-up, DeepSeek. The Hangzhou-based company, which owns the South China Morning Post, secured third place in the internet service and retailing category on Fortune’s 2025 list of the World’s Most Admired Companies, trailing only US giants amazon.com and Alphabet.This marks a significant climb from its eighth-place position last year. Though, Alibaba did not break into the top 50 in the overall rankings, which were dominated by Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Nvidia, and Berkshire Hathaway.
Alibaba is among a growing number of Chinese companies heavily investing in AI models. Last week, its cloud computing and AI arm, Alibaba Cloud, released the upgraded Qwen 2.5-Max. The company claims this model has “comprehensively outperformed” the V3 model launched in December by DeepSeek, a start-up often compared to OpenAI for its advanced AI capabilities. DeepSeek has garnered global attention for its open-source reasoning model, R1, which the company says achieves capabilities comparable to OpenAI’s closed-source GPT models in certain areas, but at a fraction of the cost.
The competition between Alibaba and DeepSeek highlights the rapid advancements in China’s AI sector. Alibaba’s Qwen 2.5-Max is positioned as a formidable contender, aiming to solidify the company’s standing in the global AI race. Meanwhile, DeepSeek’s innovative approach with its R1 model underscores the potential of open-source AI to disrupt traditional models.
| Key Highlights | Details |
|—————————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| Alibaba’s Fortune Ranking | Third in internet service and retailing; climbed five spots from 2024. |
| AI Model Release | Qwen 2.5-Max,claimed to outperform DeepSeek’s V3 model. |
| DeepSeek’s Innovation | Open-source R1 model, comparable to OpenAI’s GPT at lower costs. |
| Global AI Race | Alibaba and DeepSeek lead China’s charge in AI advancements. |
As the AI landscape evolves, Alibaba’s strategic investments and DeepSeek’s groundbreaking innovations are shaping the future of technology. The rivalry between these two powerhouses is not just a testament to China’s growing influence in AI but also a glimpse into the transformative potential of artificial intelligence on a global scale.
Alibaba and DeepSeek: Shaping the Future of Chinese AI Innovation
Table of Contents
In the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence, Chinese tech giants like Alibaba and emerging startups such as DeepSeek are making meaningful strides. Alibaba recently climbed to third place in Fortune’s 2025 list of the World’s Most Admired Companies in the internet service and retailing category, while together releasing its advanced AI model, Qwen 2.5-Max. Meanwhile, DeepSeek’s open-source R1 model is challenging the dominance of established players like OpenAI.To delve deeper into these developments, we spoke with Dr. Li Wei, a leading AI expert and professor of computer science at Tsinghua University.
Alibaba’s Rise in Fortune’s Rankings
Editor: Dr. Li, Alibaba’s climb to third place in Fortune’s rankings is remarkable. What does this signify for the company’s global standing?
Dr. Li Wei: Alibaba’s ascent in the rankings underscores its growing influence in the tech world, particularly in internet services and retailing. This recognition highlights the company’s ability to innovate and adapt in a highly competitive market.it’s worth noting that Alibaba has significantly expanded its footprint beyond e-commerce, with strategic investments in cloud computing and AI. This diversification has not only strengthened its market position but also positioned it as a key player in the global Fortune 500 ecosystem.
The Launch of Qwen 2.5-Max
Editor: Alibaba recently unveiled Qwen 2.5-Max, claiming it outperforms deepseek’s V3 model. What are your thoughts on this progress?
Dr. Li Wei: qwen 2.5-Max represents a significant leap in AI capabilities. Its ability to comprehensively outperform DeepSeek’s V3 model demonstrates Alibaba’s commitment to advancing AI technology. the model’s enhanced processing power and accuracy could have far-reaching applications, from improving customer experiences to optimizing supply chains. This launch not only solidifies Alibaba’s position in the AI race but also intensifies the competition with other tech giants and startups like DeepSeek.
DeepSeek’s Open-Source R1 Model
Editor: DeepSeek’s R1 model has been compared to OpenAI’s GPT. What makes this open-source model stand out?
Dr. Li Wei: DeepSeek’s R1 model is groundbreaking because it achieves capabilities comparable to OpenAI’s GPT models at a fraction of the cost. Being open-source, it democratizes access to advanced AI tools, enabling smaller enterprises and developers to innovate without the burden of high costs. This approach not only disrupts traditional AI models but also fosters a more collaborative and inclusive AI ecosystem. It’s a testament to the ingenuity of Chinese startups and their potential to compete on a global stage.
The Global AI Race
Editor: How do Alibaba and DeepSeek’s advancements reflect China’s role in the global AI landscape?
Dr. Li Wei: These advancements highlight China’s growing influence in the AI sector. alibaba’s strategic investments and DeepSeek’s innovative approaches are driving significant progress in AI technology. Together, thay exemplify the competitive yet collaborative spirit of China’s tech industry. The rivalry between these two powerhouses is not just about market dominance; it’s about pushing the boundaries of what AI can achieve. This competition is accelerating advancements that will benefit industries worldwide, from healthcare to finance.
Conclusion
The competition between Alibaba and DeepSeek underscores the rapid evolution of AI technology in China. As these companies continue to innovate, they are not only shaping the future of AI but also positioning China as a global leader in this transformative field. Their contributions are a testament to the immense potential of artificial intelligence to drive progress and reshape industries on a global scale.
