US and China Discuss AI Safety Measures Ahead of Summit
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reveals talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng focused on an "notification mechanism" for AI incidents.
Top US and Chinese officials have discussed establishing a new "notification mechanism" for artificial intelligence (AI) incidents that could pose risks to national security, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced Sunday. Bessent's remarks followed what he described as "successful" discussions with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in New York.
The meeting occurred in the lead-up to a summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, scheduled to take place in Washington later this week.
The talks between the two nations' economic representatives also addressed plans to "operationalize" a process for identifying potential tariff reductions on goods, known as the Board of Trade. A tariff truce between the world's two largest economies is set to expire on November 10.
![US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent shakes the hand of China's top trade negotiator He Lifeng stand in front of both countries' flags.]( "US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and China's Vice Premier He Lifeng
Bessent stated on X that the discussions "help lay the groundwork for President Trump to advance America's economic interests and deliver results for the American people."
Xinhua, China's state news agency, reported that the two sides engaged in "candid, in-depth and constructive exchanges on key economic and trade issues," with AI being among the discussed topics.
The conversations come at a time of heightened scrutiny of AI, following warnings from researchers about the technology's potential risks and calls from prominent industry figures for a more cautious development approach.
Bessent emphasized the importance of increased transparency between the two leading AI powers. "We think that, just like with any cross-border activity, that moving from opaque to more transparency between the number one and the number two AI powers in the world is very important," he told reporters.
The US and China are engaged in a competition to lead in AI and technology industries. Recently, Washington has faced calls to slow down AI development due to concerns about its potential negative impacts on humanity. President Trump has generally downplayed these concerns, asserting that existing AI policies are adequate and that the US must maintain its technological advantage over China, stating earlier this month, "whoever wins in AI, wins."