U.S. Proposes AI Incident Alert System With China

The United States has proposed establishing a formal notification system with China to report artificial intelligence incidents that could threaten national security, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced Sunday.

Bessent disclosed the proposal following discussions with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in New York, where officials from both nations prepared for Thursday's White House meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The notification mechanism

The proposed alert system would create a structured channel for the world's two leading AI powers to share information about significant AI-related incidents. Bessent framed the initiative as a move toward greater transparency in cross-border AI activities.

"We want a shared vision of common goals and common threats," Bessent told reporters. "We think that just like any cross-border activity, that moving from opaque to more transparency between the No. 1 and the No. 2 AI powers in the world is very important."

The proposal arrives as Trump has emphasized maintaining U.S. dominance in artificial intelligence development. The president has rejected suggestions to slow AI advancement, arguing such restraint would enable China to narrow the technological gap between the two countries. Trump has also announced plans for an "AI Force" modeled after Space Force and intends to appoint an "AI Czar" to coordinate national AI strategy.

Why it matters

As AI systems become more powerful and autonomous, the risk of accidents, misuse, or unintended consequences grows. A formal incident-reporting framework between the U.S. and China could help prevent AI-related events from escalating into diplomatic crises or military miscalculations. The proposal signals recognition that AI safety challenges transcend geopolitical rivalry, even as both nations compete for technological supremacy.

Trade board and tariff discussions

Beyond the AI proposal, Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer confirmed that a "Board of Trade" discussed during Trump and Xi's May meeting in Beijing will proceed. The board represents an institutional mechanism for ongoing economic dialogue between the two nations.

Greer indicated that negotiators continue working to identify "nonsensitive" products eligible for reduced tariffs. The potential list includes consumer goods, agricultural products, energy items, and medical devices, though specific details remain under discussion.

These details were first reported by The Associated Press.