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US Proposes AI Safety Notification Mechanism in China Talks — AI-generated representative image: US and Chinese officials in a formal diplomatic meeting, reflecting talks on trade and AI safety transparency.

Editorial Team

Artificial intelligence transparency takes center stage as US-China trade negotiations conclude ahead of the Trump-Xi summit

US and Chinese officials concluded talks in New York on Sunday, with Washington proposing a new mechanism for sharing information about serious artificial intelligence threats. The discussions, which lasted about eight hours, took place ahead of a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the talks as "very successful," though no other major agreement was announced beyond the AI proposal.

The proposal reflects growing international concern over the risks posed by advanced artificial intelligence systems. As the world's two leading AI powers, the United States and China face pressure to establish clearer communication channels over incidents that could raise national security concerns.

The meeting also carried broader significance, serving as preparation for the Trump-Xi summit while the fragile US-China trade truce approaches its November 10 expiry.

Key Outcomes of the Talks

Bessent met Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and China's chief trade negotiator Li Chenggang also taking part. Washington proposed a US-China AI dialogue that would include a notification system for incidents serious enough to raise national security concerns.

Bessent emphasized the importance of moving from opacity to transparency between the world's top two AI powers, arguing both sides should communicate over "common goals and common threats."
Greer clarified that export controls on advanced AI chips and semiconductor manufacturing equipment were not part of the proposed mechanism.
Chinese state media reported the two sides held "frank, in-depth, and constructive exchanges" on economic and trade matters, including AI-related dialogue.
The two sides discussed putting into effect a process agreed in May for identifying non-strategic goods that could qualify for lower tariffs.

Background of US-China Trade Relations

The talks occurred against the backdrop of a fragile US-China trade truce approaching its November 10 expiry. The agreement, reached in Busan, South Korea, in October last year, capped US tariffs on Chinese goods at about 20 percent after a tit-for-tat trade fight briefly pushed levies into the triple digits.

Washington has also pressed Beijing over supplies of rare-earth magnets and other critical minerals used in industries ranging from cars to advanced semiconductors. Bessent and Greer announced no new progress on that issue after Sunday's meeting.

Statements and Tariff Discussions

Bessent said greater transparency was important between the world's two leading AI powers. "We think that, just like with any cross-border activity, that moving from opaque to more transparency between the number one and the number two AI powers in the world is very important," he said.

On tariff-eligible goods, Greer said possible Chinese exports could include consumer and other low-tech goods, while US products could include energy, agricultural goods and medical devices. Bloomberg quoted Li as saying the discussions took place in a good atmosphere and that a working group would continue talks on Monday.

What Comes Next

The New York meeting was aimed at preparing for the Trump-Xi summit in Washington. A working group was expected to continue talks on Monday, according to Chinese negotiator Li Chenggang. No additional major agreements were announced, and no new progress was reported on critical minerals discussions.