Trump-Xi Talks Turn Attention To The Future Of AI Safety

Artificial intelligence is expected to feature prominently in a planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington this month, with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent highlighting the need for safeguards and closer communication between the two countries. Bessent described the United States and China as the world’s leading AI powers and indicated that the technology could become an important subject in discussions between the two leaders.

Bessent made the remarks after limited discussions on AI with the Chinese delegation during the G20 finance ministers’ meeting in Asheville. He explained that Beijing’s designated official for AI-related discussions, Vice Premier He Lifeng, was not present at the meeting, restricting the scope of talks between the two sides. Bessent indicated that more substantive engagement could take place when Trump and Xi meet in Washington.

The Treasury Secretary highlighted the need for the US and China to establish guardrails around rapidly developing AI systems. He also raised concerns about powerful large language models falling into the hands of non-state actors, stressing the importance of preventing access by groups outside government control. However, he did not specify whether Washington would seek discussions on export controls, computing infrastructure, safety standards or access to advanced AI models.

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Beyond China, Bessent noted that the United States had discussed AI-related opportunities and risks with other G20 members. Those conversations included how financial institutions and industries are preparing for greater use of AI, as well as measures to improve resilience as the technology becomes increasingly integrated into economic activity. The US also indicated its willingness to share how industry working groups have been structured to address emerging challenges.

The G20 chair’s statement recognised artificial intelligence as a general-purpose technology capable of reshaping the global economy. It highlighted the potential for countries that responsibly develop, adopt and spread AI to gain an advantage in future economic growth, while also recognising financial and sector-specific risks associated with the technology.

The planned Trump-Xi meeting could therefore provide an opportunity for Washington and Beijing to address AI at the highest political level. With AI models becoming increasingly capable and developing rapidly, Bessent stressed the importance of governments maintaining close communication while seeking to capture the technology’s economic benefits and address potential risks.

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