NEW YORK, United States: Artificial intelligence has emerged as a key issue in US-China talks ahead of a planned meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, with officials from both countries exploring ways to maintain communication on AI-related concerns amid a broader technology rivalry.
US and Chinese officials explored the establishment of a dedicated communication channel on artificial intelligence during economic talks in New York on Sunday, where representatives from the world’s two largest economies addressed trade, technology and concerns surrounding the rapid development of AI systems.
Proposed AI communication channel
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the talks with a Chinese delegation led by Vice Premier He Lifeng included a proposal for a “US-China AI dialogue”.
Bessent said the channel could include a notification mechanism for major AI-related incidents that could reach a national security level.
“We just had a very successful engagement with the Chinese on trade and AI,” Bessent told reporters after the talks.
ALSO READ: Pakistan to Regulate Digital Assets for Growth in Digital Economy
The discussions lasted around eight hours at JPMorgan Chase’s headquarters and also included US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
Chinese state media described the meetings as “candid, in-depth, and constructive”, saying both sides discussed economic and trade issues as well as AI-related matters.
Balancing cooperation and competition
The talks come as Washington and Beijing remain engaged in competition over advanced technologies, with artificial intelligence emerging as a key area of strategic importance.
Both countries are facing concerns over the safety risks associated with more capable AI systems, creating limited opportunities for cooperation despite wider tensions.
Greer said it was “imperative” for the two sides to work together, while officials also discussed trade issues, including possible arrangements involving non-sensitive goods.
The United States is seeking continued access to rare earth magnets and critical minerals important for manufacturing, while previous discussions have focused on Chinese purchases of US agricultural products.
Trump-Xi meeting ahead
The New York discussions are aimed at preparing the ground for Thursday’s White House meeting between Trump and Xi.
Analysts have cautioned that expectations for major breakthroughs remain limited, with maintaining stability between the two countries expected to be a key focus.
Further meetings between Trump and Xi are also expected later this year, including during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in China.
