Trump-Xi Visit Brings AI Cooperation Talks Into U.S.-China Tech Rivalry
AI dialogue is taking place alongside disputes over advanced semiconductors, computing capacity and technology controls, but no bilateral AI agreement has been confirmed.
Artificial intelligence has entered the agenda for Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Sept. 23-25 state visit to Washington, highlighting cooperation on AI risks amid a broader technology rivalry.
Xi arrived in Washington on Sept. 23 at Trump’s invitation. The visit includes official White House events scheduled for Sept. 24 and runs through Sept. 25.
U.S. and Chinese officials held economic and trade consultations in New York before the summit and also conducted dialogue on AI-related issues. The discussions involved Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng.
Public statements have not confirmed a completed bilateral AI safety agreement, a new arrangement on chip exports or the substance of a direct Trump-Xi discussion focused on AI. They also have not provided technical details, figures or terms for a completed AI pact.
The talks come as Washington and Beijing compete over advanced AI development, computing capacity, semiconductor access and the rules governing the technology. Their decisions could affect global semiconductor markets and other countries’ approaches to AI safeguards.
Xi called for cooperation in a written arrival statement, saying China and the United States should be “partners rather than rivals.”
The immediate diplomatic track remains narrower than a broad settlement. Technology restrictions involving advanced semiconductors and artificial intelligence equipment remain part of the wider U.S.-China economic relationship, alongside trade arrangements under review.
The visit follows earlier U.S.-China discussions over tariffs and technology restrictions and is scheduled to conclude Sept. 25.
