OpenAI recently announced its exit from the Chinese market, enforcing a policy of blocking users in countries outside of officially supported markets. Despite this, many Chinese customers are still able to utilize GPT-powered AI conversational robots. Companies like Alibaba, Baidu, and Tencent have stepped in to fill the void left by OpenAI, and Microsoft’s ChatGPT service is still accessible to those with access to Azure cloud services in China.
ChatGPT, which was previously blocked in China, saw many developers using VPNs to circumvent the restrictions for its productivity benefits. However, OpenAI’s decision to enforce restrictions on July 9 caught many off guard, leading developers and companies to seek alternatives. Chinese LLM developers launched campaigns to attract former ChatGPT users, but those familiar with the service can still use it through Microsoft’s Azure platform in China.
Microsoft continues to provide OpenAI models in China through its Azure China joint venture with 21Vianet, and has actively encouraged developers to transition to Azure OpenAI. Three Azure China customers have confirmed uninterrupted access to OpenAI models through Microsoft’s platform.
While Chinese customers still have access to OpenAI models through Microsoft, a bill is being considered to streamline the process of preventing US companies from selling AI technology to China. If passed, this bill could potentially impact Microsoft’s ability to distribute OpenAI models in China, potentially giving market share to rival Chinese-owned companies.
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https://www.techradar.com/pro/openai-may-not-be-available-in-china-but-microsoft-azure-china-might-offer-an-unexpected-loophole