The United States and China are planning high-level talks on artificial intelligence in September as the two countries confront the risks created by increasingly powerful AI systems, five people familiar with the matter told Reuters.
The discussions were a key outcome of US President Donald Trump’s May summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. They are expected to take place before Xi’s planned September 24 visit to the United States, although the date and location have not been finalized.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is expected to lead the American delegation, four of the sources said. The participants and agenda on both sides are still being discussed.
⚡BREAKING:
🇺🇸🇨🇳 Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will lead the US delegation in AI talks with China scheduled for September, Reuters reports. pic.twitter.com/fKTRUWjUnU
— Litest (@Litest) July 21, 2026
Why AI safety is becoming a diplomatic issue
The talks show a growing concern that some AI risks cannot be handled by individual governments. Powerful models can be developed in one country and accessed globally, creating potential risks involving cybercrime, fraud, misinformation, and other forms of misuse.
The US and China are also responsible for a large share of global AI research and investment, making cooperation between them difficult to avoid if governments want common standards for advanced AI systems. Any agreement on basic safety measures could influence how other countries approach AI regulation.
The challenge is that governments are still trying to understand which risks require international rules and which should remain under national control.
Can Washington and Beijing cooperate while competing for AI supremacy?
The talks will take place against a much stronger technology rivalry. Washington has restricted China’s access to some advanced chips used to develop AI systems, while Beijing is working to strengthen its domestic semiconductor industry and reduce dependence on foreign technology.
Nvidia’s advanced AI chips have become a major focus of U.S. export controls because high-end computing power is essential for training the most capable AI models. This means AI is no longer just a commercial issue but is increasingly tied to national security and economic power.
That creates a difficult balance for the September discussions. Both countries have reasons to reduce the risks of advanced AI, but neither wants cooperation to weaken its position in the global technology race.
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