DeepSeek researcher warns millions of jobs in China could be replaced by AI

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Chen Deli, a leading AI researcher at DeepSeek, has cautioned that China’s labour market is at risk of large-scale disruption as artificial intelligence systems become increasingly capable of handling both white-collar and industrial roles.

Speaking at a recent technology forum, Chen said that AI’s rapid advancement could affect as many as 70 million jobs in the next 10 years, particularly in manufacturing, logistics, customer service, and administrative sectors. “AI will not simply replace repetitive work; it will begin to challenge analytical and creative tasks as well,” he noted.

Chen urged that while automation promises productivity gains, social stability and employment balance must remain policy priorities. He advocated for a national framework around AI reskilling, digital education, and human–AI collaboration models to prepare workers for hybrid roles rather than displacement.

Experts agree that China — one of the world’s most AI-active economies — faces a delicate balance between technological leadership and employment security. The government has already rolled out initiatives promoting AI literacy and vocational transition programmes, though many warn that implementation needs to accelerate.

Chen’s remarks come as China’s tech giants, including Baidu, Tencent, and Alibaba, expand AI capabilities across sectors from finance to public services, deepening both economic opportunity and automation pressure.