U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington has proposed a new U.S.-China artificial intelligence safety notification system following talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in New York.
The proposal is designed to increase transparency between the United States and China as both countries expand their capabilities in artificial intelligence.
U.S. Proposes New AI Safety Notification System
Bessent announced the proposal after concluding discussions with He on Sunday.
The proposed framework would create a mechanism for the two countries to communicate about important AI-related risks, incidents and national security concerns.
Bessent said greater transparency was particularly important because the United States and China are currently the world’s two leading powers in artificial intelligence.
Trump and Xi Expected to Discuss AI Proposal
The AI safety framework is expected to be considered by U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping when they meet in Washington this week.
The summit is scheduled for September 24 and will cover a broad range of economic, technological and geopolitical issues.
The meeting will also follow preliminary discussions between senior U.S. and Chinese officials aimed at preparing the agenda for the two leaders.
China’s Response Remains Unclear
China has not publicly provided a detailed response to the U.S. AI safety proposal.
A summary of the talks from China’s state-run Xinhua news agency confirmed that artificial intelligence was discussed but did not outline Beijing’s position on the notification system.
The proposal comes as both countries consider ways to manage the potential security risks created by increasingly powerful AI systems.
Recent discussions between U.S. and Chinese experts have also focused on safeguards designed to prevent artificial intelligence from contributing to unintended military or cyber escalation.
AI and Trade Take Center Stage in U.S.-China Talks
Artificial intelligence will be only one of several major issues facing Trump and Xi during their Washington summit.
Trade relations remain another important area of negotiation.
The two countries continue to face disagreements over tariffs, advanced technology and access to strategically important goods.
AI Chip Sales Remain a Key Issue
Restrictions surrounding advanced semiconductor and AI chip sales to China are expected to remain part of the broader discussions.
Beijing has pushed for fewer restrictions on advanced technology, while Washington continues to focus on national security concerns involving sensitive technologies.
Agricultural purchases and Chinese exports of critical minerals are also expected to feature in the negotiations.
U.S.-China Trade Truce Nears November Deadline
The upcoming summit could also prove important for the temporary trade truce between Washington and Beijing.
The current arrangement is scheduled to expire in November, increasing pressure on both governments to determine whether the agreement will be extended or replaced by a broader trade deal.
The Trump-Xi meeting will therefore be closely watched for developments involving both artificial intelligence and trade policy.
Any progress on an AI safety framework could represent a new area of cooperation between the world’s two largest AI powers, even as major economic and strategic disagreements remain unresolved.
