US-China launch SI dialogue to discuss AI incidents, weeks after Trump asked for cos to maintain hegemony over Beijing | Today’s news
Washington and Beijing decided on Friday (local time) to set up a “communication channel” for AI-related incidents, weeks after US President Donald Trump asked US artificial intelligence (AI) companies not to slow down the development of the technology in a bid to maintain dominance over China.
The White House made the announcement after a brief breakthrough summit, AFP reported. The announcement came days after Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the US president in Washington, where the two leaders discussed several issues, including AI, bilateral trade and the ongoing war in Iran.
US-China SI Dialogue: Everything you need to know
The White House said in a fact sheet that the US and China had launched a “US-China Super Intelligence (SI) Dialogue to exchange views on the risks and benefits” of the technology, adding that the two leaders agreed to use the term SI rather than AI.
The next exchange is likely to take place in November, the fact sheet added. Ahead of the summit, the US president said: “Super Intelligence (SI) will be a big topic of discussion, but I want to leave it exactly where it is.” In a Truth Social post, he added: “This is also China’s position.”
While Trump has consistently dismissed concerns that the rapidly developing technology could pose a threat to humanity, despite warnings from the world’s two leading artificial intelligence companies, his Chinese counterpart has taken a more measured approach, expressing support for the idea that the technology should be developed under human control.
Xi also called on the two sides to manage their superpower rivalry and ensure that the development of artificial intelligence remains under human control. He added: “We have both the ability and the responsibility to develop and manage AI forever and to ensure that AI development is always under human control.”
Trump hosts Si in Washington
In addition, Trump and Xi also confirmed that they will meet for the third and fourth times this year at two international summits to be held in China and the US.
The White House also highlighted several agreements reached during the visit, including China’s commitment to buy at least 10 million metric tons of US coal in 2027 and 2028.
The two countries also agreed to provide more favorable tariff conditions for $30 billion worth of “non-sensitive goods” traded in each direction. In addition, two Chinese pandas were to arrive at the American zoo.
Trump rolled out the red carpet for Xi during his visit, treating the Chinese president to a state banquet attended by tech titans, military parades, a flyover and a tour of his new White House heliport and ballroom.
The latest developments highlight the growing importance of AI in US-China relations, as both countries seek to address the opportunities and risks associated with the technology’s rapid development.
