Zhipu Unveils Open-Source AI Model to Rival OpenAI

Zhipu, a Chinese AI startup, is releasing its largest open-source model, GLM-4.5, to compete with OpenAI globally. This move is part of a growing trend in China, where AI startups are open-sourcing their models to set industry standards and advance the field. Zhipu is also considering an initial public offering in Hong Kong, which could raise $300 million.

Zhipu, a Chinese AI startup, is set to release its largest open-source model, GLM-4.5, to compete with OpenAI globally. This move is part of a growing trend in China, where AI startups are increasingly open-sourcing their models to set industry standards and advance the field. The release of GLM-4.5 is scheduled for Monday, July 28, 2025 [1].

Zhipu, which recently renamed itself Z.ai in English, is backed by major Chinese tech firms such as Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and Tencent Holdings Ltd. The startup is considering shifting its planned initial public offering (IPO) from mainland China to Hong Kong, which could raise about $300 million [1].

This trend of open-sourcing models is part of China's broader strategy to achieve self-reliance in artificial intelligence (AI). China's government has identified AI as a strategic priority for national and economic security, and it is actively promoting the development of an independent and controllable AI ecosystem [2]. The release of GLM-4.5 is a significant step in this direction, as it demonstrates China's ambition to challenge global AI leaders like OpenAI.

However, China faces several challenges in its pursuit of self-reliance in AI. The country's semiconductor industry, which is crucial for AI development, lags behind the US. While China has made progress in producing its own AI chips, their performance does not yet match that of US semiconductor designers like Nvidia [2]. Additionally, China's dependence on global open-source communities for AI progress poses a potential vulnerability, as the country's future participation in these communities could be affected by geopolitical tensions [2].

Despite these challenges, Zhipu's release of GLM-4.5 is a notable development in the global AI landscape. It signals China's commitment to advancing the field and challenging established players like OpenAI. As the AI race continues, it will be interesting to see how Zhipu's open-source model performs and how it impacts the global AI industry.

References:

[1] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-28/chinese-openai-challenger-zhipu-to-unveil-new-open-source-model
[2] https://merics.org/en/report/chinas-drive-toward-self-reliance-artificial-intelligence-chips-large-language-models