US-China AI Dialogue Talks Set Stage for Trump-Xi Summit

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, with senior trade officials, met in New York to agree on establishing a “U.S.–China AI dialogue.” They discussed a notification mechanism for AI-related incidents that could rise to a national-security level and pledged a follow-up meeting. The eight-hour session also covered trade, investment and the operationalisation of a “Board of Trade” first mentioned in May meetings in Beijing.

France 24

Both countries are the world’s largest AI developers, and fears that advanced systems could pose existential risks have created a rare incentive for cooperation. At the same time, a competitive race for technological supremacy continues, with the United States resisting calls to slow AI development. Earlier in May, President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping discussed a “Board of Trade” that would lower tariffs on non-sensitive goods; the New York talks aimed to fold AI safety into that economic framework.

Euronews

• Sunday – Bessent and He Lifeng hold an eight-hour meeting at JPMorgan Chase’s headquarters, agreeing to pursue the AI dialogue and notification system.

France 24

• Thursday – A White House meeting is scheduled between President Trump and President Xi, the first state visit by a Chinese leader to Washington in more than a decade.

France 24

• Later this week – The summit will address AI governance alongside trade issues such as rare-earth magnets and critical minerals.

South China Morning Post

• Monday (potential) – Working-level groups, including China’s top trade negotiator Li Chenggang, are slated to continue discussions.

Japan Times

• The New York session lasted around eight hours.

Japan Times

• He Lifeng did not issue a public comment, but Chinese state media described the meetings as “candid, in-depth, and constructive.”

Euronews

• Li Chenggang, newly elevated to a top-level trade representative post, said the talks were held in a “good atmosphere” and that a working group would keep the dialogue moving forward.

Japan Times

• “The US has proposed that we have a notification mechanism between the two countries,” — Scott Bessent, U.S. Treasury Secretary

Euronews

• “We want a shared vision of common goals and common threats,” — Scott Bessent, U.S. Treasury Secretary

Euronews

A formal AI notification channel would give both governments a direct line to alert the other about incidents that could affect national security, reducing the risk of accidental escalation. Embedding AI safety within a broader trade framework signals that the two powers view technological stability as integral to economic cooperation.

Euronews

Chinese officials did not address reporters after the meeting, leaving the specific design of the notification system unclear. No details were provided on how “incidents” would be defined, verified or escalated, and the extent to which the proposed Board of Trade will be implemented remains uncertain.

France 24