Sou Hu Cai Jing·2026-02-07 11:14Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the ongoing competition among major Chinese tech companies in the AI sector, particularly during the Spring Festival, highlighting the aggressive marketing strategies, including substantial subsidies, to attract users and establish AI as a core component of the next-generation internet [4][8]. Group 1: AI Competition and User Acquisition - The Spring Festival has sparked a significant "AI battle" among companies, with Alibaba's Qianwen App launching a "30 billion yuan free order" campaign, resulting in over 10 million orders within hours [1][2]. - Major players like ByteDance's Doubao and Tencent's Yuanbao are also competing fiercely, indicating a highly competitive environment in the AI application market [8]. - The article notes that the current strategies focus on user acquisition through subsidies, which may detract from long-term technological innovation [9][12]. Group 2: Market Dynamics and Implications - The competition is characterized by a "subsidy war," where companies are using financial incentives to rapidly grow their user base, reflecting a deep-rooted culture of subsidies in the Chinese internet sector [9][12]. - The article warns that this approach could lead to significant market distortions and resource wastage, as evidenced by the operational challenges faced by some tea shops overwhelmed by demand [9][10]. - There is a concern that prioritizing short-term user growth over foundational research could undermine China's long-term competitiveness in AI [12][13]. Group 3: Future Directions and Challenges - The article emphasizes the need for a shift in focus from mere marketing tactics to integrating technological innovation with user engagement strategies [12][13]. - It calls for patience and a commitment to long-term goals, suggesting that true success in AI will come from solving real user problems rather than relying on promotional tactics [13].