China's domestically developed large language model (LLM), DeepSeek, is playing a pivotal role in earthquake rescue operations in Myanmar through an AI-powered multilingual translation system, according to the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar. The tool facilitates real-time communication between Chinese rescue teams and local communities by translating emergency terminology across Chinese, Burmese, and English.
The system, co-developed by the National Language Service Corps of China and Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU), was created in just seven hours. Unlike conventional translation tools, DeepSeek's integration with specialized knowledge bases enables higher accuracy in crisis scenarios. "The LLM significantly improves translation quality compared to traditional machines, meeting the urgent needs of rescue teams," said BLCU researcher Han Lintao.
Han's team launched a dedicated website on March 29 featuring verified translations of critical rescue terms, including phonetic pronunciations. Myanmar students at BLCU validated the outputs, with many preferring DeepSeek's translations over those generated by ChatGPT. Subsequent updates added voice translation and interactive maps to locate affected areas.
Over 700 users in Myanmar have accessed the platform since its launch, marking the first documented use of a Chinese LLM in international disaster response. The project underscores China's growing technological capabilities in addressing humanitarian challenges while fostering cross-border collaboration.
