U.S. and China launch AI dialogue amidst competition

Speaking Tuesday at the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations in New York, Bessent announced a new dialog focused on “super intelligence,” or SI. This initiative aims to address shared risks and prevent misunderstandings between the two nations’ systems.

The dialog will involve the exchange of methods for testing advanced AI models and ensuring human oversight of the technology. Both governments are expected to notify each other of significant incidents involving these models.

Despite this cooperation, Bessent did not indicate any intention to limit the development of AI, as both Washington and Beijing are intensely competing for global leadership in the field.

President Trump has previously opposed broad restrictions on AI development, fearing it would disadvantage the U.S. He recently expressed openness to regulatory safeguards, stating in a CBS interview released Sunday that he wants to avoid the U.S. falling “in a deep second position” behind China, which he claims lacks such restrictions.

China’s foreign ministry previously rejected calls to decelerate the development of advanced AI models, arguing that such actions would hinder global AI governance. Huiyao Wang, founder of the Center for China and Globalization, suggested last month that the U.S.-China discussions should focus on jointly managing AI risks.