Top officials from the United States and China have engaged in discussions aimed at establishing a new “notification mechanism” for artificial intelligence (AI) incidents that could pose risks to national security. This announcement was made by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent following what he described as “successful” talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in New York. The discussions precede an upcoming summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping scheduled for later this week, highlighting the urgency of addressing AI safety measures.
In recent days, AI technology has faced increased scrutiny, with researchers warning about its potential risks. Prominent figures in the industry have called for a more cautious approach to AI development. Bessent emphasized the importance of transparency between the world’s leading AI powers, stating that moving from opacity to clarity is crucial for both nations.
The meeting also touched on other significant topics, including plans to operationalize a process for identifying potential tariff cuts on goods, referred to as the Board of Trade. This discussion comes as a truce in the ongoing tariff war between the US and China is set to expire on November 10.
Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported that both sides engaged in “candid, in-depth and constructive exchanges on key economic and trade issues,” including AI. Bessent later expressed on social media that the talks were instrumental in laying the groundwork for President Trump to advance America’s economic interests.
The competition between the US and China to dominate the AI and technology sectors continues to intensify. Recently, there have been calls within Washington to slow down AI development due to concerns about its potential negative impacts on society. However, President Trump has largely dismissed these concerns, asserting that existing policies are adequate and that the US must maintain its competitive edge over China. He has previously stated, “whoever wins in AI, wins.”
The discussions between US and Chinese officials reflect a growing recognition of the need for collaboration on AI safety measures, particularly as both nations navigate the complexities of technological advancement and its implications for national security.
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