VN — VnExpress
Why are Chinese companies giving away AI models for free?
AI1 min read
Chinese companies released 178 open-source AI models in the first seven months of 2026. Most can be downloaded for free, even for business use.
What happened
In the first seven months of 2026, many Chinese companies launched AI models that anyone can download. Most of these models are free to use, including for commercial purposes. The article asks why Chinese companies are giving away their AI models.
Key numbers
- 178 AI models released by Chinese companies in the first 7 months of 2026
- Most of the models are open-source, meaning the code is public
- Most can be downloaded for free, including for business use
Why it matters
Free AI models let more people build new tools without paying a large fee. They also raise questions about who will lead the global AI race and how businesses will choose which AI to use.
Glossary
- open-source
- Software or models whose code is public, so anyone can look at, use, or change them.
- commercial purposes
- Uses that involve making money, such as selling a product or running a business.