America signals willingness to discuss shared AI risks with China

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reportedly expresses willingness to discuss shared AI risks with China in upcoming talks with Vice Premier He Lifeng this weekend. The discussion will take place ahead of the meeting between President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Donald Trump next week.

Bloomberg reports Beijing is considering adding top management of mainland EV maker BYD to the delegation roster.

CNN reports a cohort of executives from big tech and AI firms will accompany President Xi during his US tour, prompting Washington to contemplate a sideline summit to sparse AI's future development and risks, according to people familiar with the matter.

No concrete arrangements or agendas have been formalised as of now.

Sources say Trump's attendance hangs in the balance whereas Xi is expected to skip the session.

In light of the recent industry concerns over safety risks posed by the rapidly-developing technology, Meta and Nvidia both indicate there is no need to roll out new regulations.

Dismissing the notion of AI destroying humanity as a mere hoax, Trump has asserted that his administration must maintain the US' pre-eminence in the face of rivalry from China.

News outlet Axios on Wednesday quotes treasury chief Scott Bessent as saying: "The United States remains the leader in AI, and we are open to discussions on avoiding shared risks and avoiding bifurcation of our two systems. We expect our discussions to cover both open and closed weight models."

A Financial Times report indicates Bessent's meeting with He this coming Sunday will lay the groundwork for the summit between the two heads of state next week.

Both sides will focus on issues including AI, economy and trade, and rare earths, and working-level talks may continue into next Monday.

Despite Trump's earlier remarks that Xi is planned to visit Washington next Thursday, Beijing withholds any official announcement, noting the two countries maintain ongoing communication over potential top-level engagement.