As the competition for artificial intelligence (AI) supremacy intensifies between the U.S. and China, the upcoming U.S.-China summit is expected to focus on AI issues. The Wall Street Journal reported that both nations are considering establishing official communication channels to prevent the AI rivalry from escalating into an uncontrollable crisis.
According to the report, discussions are underway to include AI topics in the agenda for the summit during President Donald Trump's visit to China on May 14-15. Currently, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Vessen is overseeing the AI negotiations, while China has yet to confirm its official counterpart. However, Deputy Finance Minister Liao Min is reportedly involved in the discussions.
With the intensifying AI competition, both countries are exploring ways to manage risks associated with unexpected AI malfunctions, autonomous military systems, and the misuse of open-source AI by non-state actors. There are even talks about the long-term possibility of establishing an AI hotline.
If an official dialogue channel on AI is launched, it would mark the first U.S.-China AI discussions since the Trump administration began. The WSJ noted that both nations recognize that a fierce competition in AI development could lead to a crisis neither can handle.
On May 4, President Trump emphasized the importance of leading in AI, stating, "AI is an enormous industry, and we want to stay ahead of China."
However, Time magazine reported on May 7 that the Trump administration has viewed AI more as a strategic advantage than a risk, suggesting that substantial cooperation on risk management may be challenging.
AI discussions between the U.S. and China began during the Biden administration. At a summit in November 2024, former President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed that the decision-making authority for nuclear weapons should remain with humans, not AI. Nonetheless, the WSJ pointed out that progress has been limited as China has led these discussions through its foreign ministry rather than specialized agencies like the Ministry of Science and Technology.
As Trump's visit approaches, China has not officially announced the schedule but maintains that it is in communication with the U.S. On May 7, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated during a regular briefing that both sides are keeping in touch regarding the visit.
Ahead of the trip, photos of Trump's armored vehicle and accompanying security equipment have surfaced online, with reports indicating sightings near Beijing's airport and highways. According to the Hong Kong Ming Pao, vehicles identified as the "Beast," Trump's armored limousine, and large SUVs expected to be used for security were spotted, reportedly brought in via a U.S. Air Force C-17 transport plane.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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