China’s MiniMax, Moonshot top AI token use ranking, ending year of US dominance
South China Morning Post
by Ben JiangFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Chinese open-source artificial intelligence models have made significant strides in global demand, with MiniMax AI and Moonshot AI leading the charge. According to OpenRouter’s latest ranking, these Chinese models have surpassed U.S.-developed ones in token usage, marking a shift in the AI landscape. Launched just weeks ago, MiniMax’s M2.5 model has become the most popular, processing an impressive 4.55 trillion tokens this month. Similarly, Moonshot’s Kimi K2.5, released last month, secured second place with 4.02 trillion tokens used.
This surge in popularity reflects a growing international appetite for Chinese AI solutions, driven by recent releases and their innovative capabilities. OpenRouter’s data shows that MiniMax, Moonshot, and DeepSeek collectively account for nearly two-thirds of the total token usage among the top five models this month. This marks a notable shift from previous years when U.S.-based models dominated the market.
The rise of Chinese AI models has significant implications for the global tech industry. It highlights the increasing competition in the AI space and underscores China’s growing influence in developing advanced AI technologies. These developments not only showcase the potential of open-source models but also signal a broader shift in the balance of power in artificial intelligence, with China challenging traditional U.S. dominance.
As AI continues to evolve, the competition between Chinese and American models will likely intensify, driving innovation and shaping the future of the technology. This trend underscores the importance of staying updated on global AI developments, particularly for those interested in the intersection of technology and international relations.
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/25/2026