China, USA and AI: Talks about an AI security risk reporting system

ap | The USA wants to exchange information with China about AI incidents that could endanger national security. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said this on Sunday (local time) after talks with Chinese Vice Prime Minister He Lifeng in New York. “We want a common understanding of our common goals and threats,” Bessent said. As with cross-border activities, it is important to ensure more transparency between the two leading AI nations.

Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported that Bessent and He discussed topics related to AI. She did not give any details. The discussions on economic and trade issues were “open, in-depth and constructive”.

Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the talks paved the way for U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping to meet at the White House on Thursday. The two sides also agreed to set up a new trade council, which Trump and Xi discussed at their meeting in Beijing in May.

Greer said the U.S. and China are continuing to discuss which “non-sensitive” goods might qualify for lower tariffs. This could include consumer and agricultural goods, energy products and medical devices.

The meeting between Trump and Xi will take place amid highly strained relations between the two major powers, the United States and China. The Chinese leader is scheduled to land at Joint Base Andrews military airport, southeast of Washington, on Wednesday. Trump wants to meet Xi personally at the airport.

A conversation between the two presidents is planned for Thursday in the White House. This is likely to be about trade relations, the export of rare earths and other raw materials from China, the Iran War and artificial intelligence. Trump has also announced a state banquet in Xi's honor.