OpenAI has announced the launch of new tools for developers, aiding in the creation of advanced AI agents. This comes amid increasing competition from Chinese startups such as Monica and DeepSeek.
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
In recent weeks, several Chinese startups have unveiled high-performing AI models, sometimes deemed comparable to the best American solutions. Among them are 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; and 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, and 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.
As the race between OpenAI and Chinese startups intensifies, it remains to be seen whether OpenAI can maintain its lead, or if these new Chinese initiatives mark the beginning of a shift in AI leadership.
