OpenAI Reinforces Its AI Arsenal While China Pushes Forward

OpenAI has just announced the launch of new tools for developers, making it easier to create advanced AI agents. This initiative comes as Chinese startups, such as Monica and DeepSeek, offer high-performing alternatives, often at a lower cost.

A new tool for developers

The new tool from OpenAI, named Responses API, is now available to all developers at no additional cost. It replaces the Assistants API, which is set to be discontinued by the second half of 2026. This API aims to simplify the creation of autonomous AI agents that can perform complex tasks without direct human intervention.

Increasingly strong Chinese competition

The timing of this announcement is no coincidence. In recent weeks, several Chinese startups have unveiled high-performing AI models, sometimes deemed comparable to the best American solutions. Among them:

• Monica, which has just launched its AI agent Manus, touted as more efficient than OpenAI’s DeepResearch;
• DeepSeek, which has received praise from Silicon Valley engineers for its latest models;
• Alibaba, whose team behind the Qwen models has partnered with Monica to enhance its AI capabilities.

These companies emphasize solutions that can achieve high performance while being more financially accessible.

A strategic duel between the United States and China

These advancements illustrate a growing rivalry between the United States and China in the field of AI. OpenAI, backed by Microsoft, faces a rapid rise of Chinese startups, which benefit from:

• reduced development costs;
• a dynamic technological ecosystem;
• enhanced support from local giants like Alibaba.

Although less publicized in the West, these Chinese models are beginning to attract engineers and companies in the United States.

A battle of innovations to watch As AI becomes a major strategic issue, the race between OpenAI and Chinese startups promises to be intense. The question remains whether OpenAI can maintain its lead or if these new Chinese initiatives mark the beginning of a shift in AI leadership.