US proposes dialogue mechanism with China on AI ahead of Trump-Xi summit

The United States suggested to China on Sunday the creation of a “mechanism” for dialogue between the two powers on the subject of artificial intelligence (AI), the American Minister of Finance reported following an interview with his Chinese counterpart. “The United States has proposed the establishment of a notification mechanism between our two countries, and we want to define a common vision of our objectives and the threats we face,” Scott Bessent told the press after several hours of a meeting which he described as “very successful”.

This meeting was organized a few days before a summit between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in Washington, supposed to dissipate trade, technological and strategic tensions.

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Rivals in terms of AI, the two countries are increasingly challenged on the question of risks after several episodes raising fears that the technology will escape its creators. The American minister said he was considering notifications “in the event of incidents, if something has happened that concerns national security.” “We think it is very important to move from a situation of opacity to more transparency between the first and second world powers in terms of AI,” said the Treasury Secretary.

A “common vision of threats”

Washington and Beijing are engaged in a duel-like AI race. On the American side, Chinese competition serves as a scarecrow: it justifies unlimited acceleration to stay at the forefront and not be dethroned. China presents itself as an alternative to the United States' control over this technology. “We want to define a common vision of our objectives and the threats we face,” said Scott Bessent.

The discussion session with He Lifeng was held at the New York headquarters of the American banking giant JPMorgan, in the presence of White House trade representative Jamieson Greer. The senior Chinese official, chief negotiator for economic and trade issues with Washington, did not speak at the end of the meeting. Scott Bessent felt that their meeting had been “very fruitful” concerning AI, therefore, but also commercial relations.

The challenge is in particular to extend the truce that Washington and Beijing concluded last year - after having hit each other with punitive customs duties -, which expires in November. It is “imperative that we are able to work together,” Mr. Greer said. American officials want in particular to ensure that China will not impose new restrictions on the export of its rare earths, used to produce essential magnets in the automobile, the production of smartphones or the defense industry.

Minister Bessent is also responsible for leading the economic aspect of the American war against Iran. He is increasing sanctions and warnings to dry up Tehran’s financial resources. However, China is an important diplomatic supporter of Iran and a major buyer of its oil production.

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Donald Trump will do Xi Jinping the rare honor on Wednesday of welcoming him when he gets off the plane, according to information obtained by AFP from an official American official. During this state visit, the Chinese leader will be invited to a dinner at the White House on Thursday in the company of OpenAI bosses Sam Altman and Nvidia Jensen Huang, two key figures in the development of AI in the United States.