Part 5/7:
The critical question is whether Chinese AI firms can produce a model that does something US models cannot—a true breakthrough rather than a copy. Such an achievement would constitute a "Sputnik" moment, a defining point where China overtakes the US in AI innovation and originality, rather than just cost-efficiency and replication. As of now, Deep Seek's contribution is viewed more as a "dress rehearsal"—an important proof of concept—rather than the big leap that would redefine the global AI race.