Copying and originality in the Chinese economy

Microsoft claims that DeepSeek may have accessed OpenAI’s data without authorization. However, in an industry where ideas constantly flow and mutually influence each other, distinguishing between originality and imitation is not an easy task.

This brings us to a Chinese term, “shanzhai” (山寨), which refers not merely to copies but to improved versions of the original. Rather than simple imitation, it can be a flexible, enhanced version that adapts to specific needs.

The Chinese characters 山寨 (shānzhài) are composed of two elements:

• 山 (shān) = mountain
• 寨 (zhài) = fortress or fortified village

Originally, 山寨 referred to fortified villages in the mountains, often inhabited by bandits or groups beyond government control.

Today, however, shānzhài describes products that are copies, imitations, or alternative versions of famous brands, especially in the technology and consumer sectors. Initially, it had negative connotations, linked to low-quality counterfeit goods.

Over time, shānzhài has evolved to refer not only to cheap copies, but also to innovative products that improve on the originals. Some Chinese companies have used this strategy to develop more accessible and creative technologies.

This shift is also seen in language, for example:

• 山寨手机 (shānzhài shǒujī) → Imitation mobile phone.
• 山寨文化 (shānzhài wénhuà) → A culture of reproduction and creative adaptation.
• 山寨版 (shānzhài bǎn) → Alternative or copied version (sometimes with improvements).

Shanzhai products often replicate the design of well-known brands, yet frequently add new functionalities or improvements — such as larger batteries or dual SIM support at a lower price point.

Some Chinese brands initially copied Apple or Samsung products, but later developed their own technologies and now compete globally, like Xiaomi and Huawei.

As Byung-Chul Han states:
“Instead of identity, it embraces transformative difference — the active, activating divergence; instead of being, the path.”

Can DeepSeek be considered a #ShanzhaiProduct?

References

• Byung-Chul Han, Shanzhai