US, China to Discuss AI Safety at Upcoming Trump-Xi Summit

US Plans to Address AI Safety with China

The United States is preparing to raise artificial intelligence safety concerns with China during an upcoming summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to sources familiar with the preparations. The discussions would represent a rare opening for dialogue on AI governance between the two superpowers despite their deepening technological rivalry.

According to Nikkei Asia, which first reported the development, Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit Washington later this month. The meeting comes at a time when both nations are racing to dominate AI development while simultaneously grappling with questions about how to manage the technology's risks.

Why It Matters

Any agreement on AI safety between the world's two largest economies could establish foundational principles for global AI governance. However, the persistent technology competition between Washington and Beijing—including export controls on advanced chips and restrictions on AI collaboration—raises questions about whether meaningful cooperation is achievable. Even preliminary discussions could signal whether the rivals can find common ground on existential technology risks.

Silicon Valley Weighs In Amid Skepticism

Silicon Valley insiders have reportedly floated ideas for potential cooperation frameworks, though skepticism about the prospects for meaningful collaboration persists. The technology sector has found itself caught between national security imperatives and the global nature of AI development.

The timing of the discussions is notable given the ongoing tech rift between the nations. The US has implemented sweeping restrictions on semiconductor exports to China and has moved to limit American investment in Chinese AI companies. China, meanwhile, has positioned itself as a leader in AI development and recently pitched itself as an AI hub during a Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting.

Uncertain Path Forward

Whether the two sides can move beyond preliminary talks to establish concrete AI safety protocols remains unclear. The technological decoupling between the US and China has accelerated in recent years, making collaboration on cutting-edge technologies increasingly difficult.

The sources familiar with the preparations did not specify what particular AI safety measures might be discussed or whether the talks would address issues such as autonomous weapons systems, AI-generated misinformation, or the development of artificial general intelligence.

Details of the upcoming summit agenda were first reported by Nikkei Asia.