Alibaba Launches Qwen3 AI Models Amid Intensifying Post-DeepSeek Competition

New Qwen3 Series Targets Hybrid Reasoning, Efficiency, and Open Source Leadership

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. has unveiled its latest flagship AI series, Qwen3, continuing the rapid innovation pace that has gripped China’s artificial intelligence sector following DeepSeek’s disruptive debut. Introduced on Tuesday, the Qwen3 series is designed to compete directly with DeepSeek’s models, particularly excelling in math, coding, and operational efficiency.

Alibaba emphasized that the new Qwen3 models significantly reduce deployment costs compared to other major AI systems, enhancing accessibility for businesses and developers.

Pioneering Mixture-of-Experts Architecture

The Qwen3 lineup features two advanced mixture-of-experts (MoE) models, employing a hybrid reasoning approach that mirrors human problem-solving. MoE divides complex tasks into smaller, manageable data sets — akin to assigning specialized experts to various parts of a project. This method, adopted by leading developers like Anthropic and Google, is increasingly defining the next generation of AI capabilities.

Following DeepSeek’s success in producing a powerful, cost-effective model, Chinese tech giants like Alibaba have accelerated the release of innovative AI systems, aiming to maintain competitiveness against global leaders such as OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic.

Strategic Pivot to Open Source and Artificial General Intelligence

In a strategic shift, Alibaba confirmed that all Qwen3 models will be open source, aligning with the growing trend toward more accessible, collaborative AI development. This move parallels OpenAI’s recently announced plans to offer a more “open” human reasoning-inspired model later this year.

Alibaba’s commitment to AI is now central to its corporate mission. In February, CEO Eddie Wu declared artificial general intelligence (AGI) — the pursuit of AI systems with human-like intellectual capabilities — as the company’s primary objective.

The company’s AI momentum also signals a broader recovery from its tumultuous recent past. After years of regulatory challenges and internal restructuring, Alibaba is reasserting its leadership in China’s revitalized private sector. A meeting in February between Jack Ma, Alibaba’s co-founder, and President Xi Jinping highlighted Beijing’s renewed support for technological innovation and private enterprise.

Alibaba’s latest advancements position it strongly in the escalating global AI race, as competition intensifies across China and the broader international tech landscape.