US and China reportedly plan AI safety talks, White House casts doubt

The United States and China were reportedly preparing their first official bilateral talks devoted exclusively to AI safety since President Donald Trump returned to office, potentially in mid-September. The discussions were expected to address cooperation on monitoring AI-enabled cyberattacks, including a proposal for U.S. and Chinese AI laboratories to share information and help police misuse. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was expected to lead the U.S. delegation, while China was considering Vice Premier He Lifeng or Ding Xuexiang. Chinese officials reportedly viewed the talks as an important outcome of a potential leaders’ summit, with both sides concerned about managing a cross-border AI crisis. However, a White House official subsequently said there was no planned AI-related meeting with China in mid-September, casting doubt on the reported preparations.