United States proposes China warning mechanism on AI incidents

The proposal was part of the discussions held during the weekend, before the meeting scheduled for this week in the White House between American President Donald Trump and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

“ We want a shared vision of common goals and threats,” Scott Bessent told journalists after talks in New York with Chinese Deputy Prime Minister He Lifeng.

“ We believe that, as with any cross-border activity, it is very important to move from opacity to greater transparency between the two largest AI powers in the world,” he added.

Trump has resisted calls to slow down the development of the AI, arguing that this would allow Chinese companies to reduce their distance from the US.

The proposal arises after the CNN television network has reported that the US administration is considering bringing together leaders of leading AI companies during Xi Jinping's visit to the United States.

It is unclear whether Donald Trump will participate in the meeting, if it takes place, while Xi Jinping should not be present at the outset.

Among the technological leaders who are expected to travel to Washington for the State visit are OpenAI executive president Sam Altman and the executive president of the manufacturer of ‘chips’ Nvidia, Jensen Huang, who are expected to attend the State dinner offered by Donald Trump to Xi Jinping and may attend the possible meeting on AI, according to CNN.

Scott Bessent and the United States Trade Representative, Jamieson Greer, stated on Sunday night at the headquarters of the investment bank JPMorgan Chase, that the foundations for the talks between Xi and Trump were laid for Thursday.

According to the two leaders, the parties agreed to make a new “Commerce Council” operational, discussed by the two leaders when they met in Beijing in May.

“ Today, these ideas have become reality,” Greer said.

The responsible said that the two countries continue to discuss which products considered “non-sensitive” could benefit from lower customs rates, adding that the list may include consumer goods and agricultural products, energy products and medical devices.

The official Chinese news agency Xinhua stated that Scott Bessent and He Lifeng discussed issues “related to the AI”, without further details, and held “French, in-depth and constructive” talks on economic and trade issues considered essential.

“ The fact that both parties agreed to continue the dialogue is significant,” said George Chen, a partner in the digital area of The Asia Group.

“ The initial result – an AI-related risk reporting mechanism – sets a precedent that other countries may follow,” he added.