This is a point where it will be interesting to see how OpenAi will intervene, as I know DeepSeek parasites some of the training of the chatGPT models.
In the future models OpenAI might avoid this, making the evolution for DeepSeek-like models more difficult.
But in the end, you are right: the genie is outside the lamp.
The reason why DeepSeek has gained global popularity is there claim thay it's developed in just 6 million usd budget. It's not about the model nor about its performance. The biggest challenge which ChatGPT has its disposal is to prove that the price of DeepSeek js not 6 million usd. Even if chatgpt role out its new model in 6 million usd, it will be a victory for DeepSeek that indeed it's possible to developed an AI model in such low budget. Time is running out for chatgpt and each passing day is giving more strength to China supermacy in AI.