Microsoft ponders open-weight AI as China models gain ground

Artificial intelligenceAI chief says firm is weighing trusted alternative to DeepSeek and othersMustafa Suleyman leads development of Microsoft's in-house MAI family of artificial intelligence models. (Photo by Ryotaro Yamada)RYOTARO YAMADAJuly 30, 2026 21:34 JSTPALO ALTO, California -- Microsoft is considering offering some of its internally developed AI models with open weights as Chinese artificial intelligence models gain popularity among U.S. users, Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman told Nikkei.