Chinese President Xi Jinping, during his first state visit to the US in over a decade, emphasized the importance of AI remaining under human control in discussions with President Donald Trump. Speaking at the White House on September 24, 2026, Xi stated that both China and the United States, as leading nations in artificial intelligence, have "both the capability and responsibility to develop and manage AI for good" and ensure it "serves the well-being of the people." This stance contrasts with Trump's earlier dismissal of AI fears as a "hoax" and his rejection of calls for stricter controls, preferring to encourage its use and development.
The leaders' meeting highlighted a complex geopolitical landscape where both nations are vying for AI dominance, recognizing its potential for significant economic and military advantage. Despite their differing views on AI regulation, the discussions marked a conciliatory moment, with Xi advocating for "healthy competition" and "no conflict and no confrontation" between the two major powers. Both leaders acknowledged AI as a major topic of discussion, alongside trade, financial cooperation, and security.
Prior to the summit, senior negotiators from both countries held their first discussions on AI in New York, where they also addressed plans for reducing tariffs and extending trade arrangements. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng discussed establishing an AI dialogue and a mechanism for alerting each other about AI risks. An existing trade truce, which lowered tariffs and limited China's export controls on rare earths, was also agreed to be extended to January 2027.
