Beijing, March 17, 2025, Chinese tech giant Baidu has launched both new versions of its artificial intelligence (AI) model, Ernie 4.5 and Ernie X1, as part of its ongoing push to compete with global AI leaders like OpenAI and Google. The announcement was made during a high-profile Ai conference in Beijing, highlighting China’s accelerating advancements in artificial intelligence.
Ernie 4.5: A Leap in Multimodal AI
Ernie 4.5 the latest iteration of Baidu’s flagship large language model, featuring huge improvements in natural language processing, image recognition, and multimodal reasoning. Baidu says, “this version enhances key capabilities such as text comprehension, logical thinking, and memory retention while reducing AI hallucinations, which is a common issue in generative AI models.” The company claims Ernie 4.5 outperforms OpenAI’s GPT-4.5 in multiple AI benchmarks while being significantly more cost-effective, offering Ai services at just 1% of GPT-4.5’s price.
Ernie X1: China’s Answer to Advanced AI Reasoning
Baidu introduced Ernie X1 as well, a deep-thinking AI model that focuses on advanced reasoning, planning, and problem-solving. Unlike past models of AI, Ernie X1 is designed to process complex queries, generate creative content, and perform advanced calculations, making it a direct competitor to DeepSeek R1, one of China’s other leading AI models. With a focus on Chinese-language comprehension, Ernie X1 aims to revolutionize various sectors, including education, legal services, and enterprise solutions. The model’s launch underscores Baidu’s ambition to lead the AI race in China while competing with Western AI giants on a global scale.
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Baidu’s Open-Source Initiative
In an unexpected move, Baidu announced that both Ernie 4.5 and Ernie X1 will be open-sourced by June 30, 2025. This decision aligns with China’s strategy to promote AI innovation and collaboration, potentially giving developers and businesses greater access to cutting-edge AI tools. During the launch event Robin Li, the CEO of Baidu confidently stated, “We believe in an open AI ecosystem where developers and enterprises can freely explore and innovate using our models.”
AI Competition in China and Beyond
The launch of Ernie 4.5 and Ernie X1 signals an escalation in the AI arms race between Chinese and Western tech companies. With OpenAI, Google, and Meta all pushing forward with new AI advancements, Due to Baidu’s latest AI models China gained a major contender in the global AI market. China has set an ambitious goal to lead the world in AI by 2030, and Baidu’s latest advancements are seen as a crucial step toward achieving that vision. By offering powerful AI solutions at lower costs, Baidu is not only strengthening its foothold in China but also positioning itself as a serious competitor on the global stage.
What’s Next for Baidu’s AI?
With both models expected to be integrated into Baidu’s search engine, cloud services, and enterprise AI solutions, the company is looking to expand its AI offerings across multiple industries. Analysts predict that Baidu’s AI strategy could reshape China’s tech ecosystem, influencing sectors from e-commerce and education to finance and healthcare. As the AI race accelerates, all eyes are now on how OpenAI, Google, and other major AI players will respond to Baidu’s next move.
