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New AI Challenger: Alibaba Unveils New Generation of AI Model Qwen3

Chinese technology giant Alibaba Group has unveiled a new generation of its leading artificial intelligence models, Qwen3, reaffirming its determination to remain at the forefront of the global AI race, which has accelerated since the beginning of 2025 following the emergence of a powerful model from DeepSeek.

The Qwen3 series includes several advanced models, among which are two based on ‘mixture-of-experts’ (MoE) technology, an increasingly popular approach that divides tasks among multiple specialized sub-models, similar to how an expert team addresses complex problems. Such systems enable faster, more accurate, and energy-efficient execution of tasks such as mathematical calculations and programming. In these areas, Alibaba claims that Qwen3 competes with and even surpasses DeepSeek.

The company specifically highlighted that the new generation of models significantly reduces implementation costs compared to competitors, aiming to attract businesses and developers seeking powerful yet accessible AI tools.

Everything in the Name of Qwen

Since CEO Eddie Wu declared in February that the company’s primary goal is the development of artificial general intelligence (AGI), Alibaba has accelerated the pace of launching new AI solutions. Just a few weeks ago, they introduced the Qwen 2.5 model, capable of processing text, images, sound, and video – with sufficiently optimized performance to be used on mobile phones.

In March, a new version of the Quark application was launched, a digital assistant that utilizes Alibaba’s AI models for everyday tasks such as searching, translating, and managing documents. All Qwen3 models will be open source, representing a significant step towards more transparent development of artificial intelligence, especially in the context of increasing demands for regulatory oversight of advanced AI systems.

China Responds to the West

American tech giants have already responded to the moves of Alibaba and DeepSeek. OpenAI, Alphabet (Google), and Anthropic have released a series of new models in recent months, and OpenAI has announced that it is preparing its own ‘open’ model with human reasoning. This announcement comes after DeepSeek introduced a powerful model earlier this year, claiming that its development cost only a few million dollars – significantly less than the amounts typically required for top-tier AI systems.

Alongside technological advancements, Alibaba’s rise is also unfolding in a political context. After years of strained relations with authorities, including co-founder Jack Ma‘s withdrawal from the public eye following conflicts with the Chinese Communist Party over regulatory issues, a turnaround occurred earlier this year.

In February, Jack Ma participated in a meeting with President Xi Jinping and other prominent Chinese entrepreneurs, discussing innovations and new technologies. This signaled Beijing’s support for the private sector, which is increasingly perceived as a key driver of recovery for the world’s second-largest economy.