US and China Discuss AI Incident Notification System

US and China explore AI safety coordination

Senior officials from the United States and China have discussed establishing a notification system for artificial intelligence incidents that could affect national security, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced Sunday following talks in New York.

Bessent met with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng to discuss the proposal, which would create a formal channel for communication between the world's two leading AI powers. The Treasury Secretary characterized the discussions as successful and emphasized the importance of moving from opacity to transparency in cross-border AI activities.

Why it matters

As the US and China compete for AI dominance, the absence of coordination mechanisms creates risks that neither nation can fully control. A notification system could prevent misunderstandings or escalation when AI systems malfunction or produce unexpected results with security implications. The timing is significant: researchers have recently intensified warnings about AI risks, while President Trump maintains the US cannot afford to slow development and cede ground to China.

Broader economic agenda

The AI discussions occurred within a larger economic dialogue between the two nations. Bessent indicated the meeting also addressed operationalizing a Board of Trade process to identify potential tariff reductions. The current tariff truce between the world's two largest economies is scheduled to expire on November 10.

According to Chinese state news agency Xinhua, both sides engaged in candid and constructive exchanges on key economic and trade issues, including artificial intelligence.

Summit preparation

The New York talks lay groundwork for an upcoming summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington later this week. Bessent stated the discussions would help Trump advance American economic interests.

AI collaboration was previously on the agenda when Xi hosted Trump in Beijing in May. Those talks concluded with an agreement for China to purchase Boeing aircraft and US agricultural products in exchange for lower tariffs.

Competing visions on AI development

The notification proposal emerges amid intensifying debate over AI development pace. Washington has faced mounting pressure to slow AI advancement due to concerns about potential negative impacts on humanity. Trump has largely rejected these calls, arguing that existing policies are sufficient and that the United States cannot afford to lose its competitive edge to China.

"Whoever wins in AI, wins," Trump said earlier this month, summarizing his administration's stance on the technology race.

The BBC has contacted the Chinese embassy in the United States for comment on the proposed notification mechanism.

These details were first reported by the BBC.