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Trump rejects combining US-China AI efforts

Al Jazeera · 2026-09-26

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: U.S. President Donald Trump rejected calls for a regulatory framework on artificial intelligence (AI) development and declined to pursue cooperation with China on AI efforts, emphasizing U.S. leadership in the field. • Why it matters: Trump's stance reflects a broader debate on the need for regulation in AI, amid concerns from lawmakers and global leaders about the potential risks associated with unregulated technological advancements. • What to watch next: The establishment of a bilateral communication channel between the U.S. and China on AI-related incidents and ongoing discussions about AI regulation will be critical in shaping the future of international AI development and collaboration.

**Trump Rejects Calls for US-China Cooperation on AI Development**

**Washington, D.C.** — In a recent statement, U.S. President Donald Trump made it clear that the United States will not be pursuing calls for a regulatory framework regarding the development of artificial intelligence (AI). Speaking to reporters as he left the White House on Saturday, Trump expressed his commitment to maintaining the country's leadership in AI technology, dismissing concerns about the risks associated with its rapid advancement.

Trump's comments come amid growing apprehension among lawmakers and leaders in the tech industry, who have voiced the need for a more cautious approach to AI development. These concerns have been echoed by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who, during his address to the UN General Assembly, urged global leaders to establish safeguards against the unchecked progression of AI technologies, warning that such developments could pose significant risks to humanity if left unregulated.

In his remarks, Trump likened the fears surrounding AI to what he described as "hoaxes," referencing issues such as climate change and the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. "When they wanna put on brakes, it’s just like everybody’s going to be dead. You’re all supposed to be dead now, because of global warming," he stated. He further emphasized that the push for regulation is an attempt to hinder U.S. progress in technology, asserting, "We’re leading China by a lot, and we’re going to keep it that way."

During a recent three-day summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump expressed reluctance to integrate U.S. AI efforts with those of China. "I would rather not integrate, because we’re leading by a lot," he said, reinforcing his position that collaboration would undermine U.S. advancements in the field.

While some experts and lawmakers had hoped that the summit would yield a significant agreement on AI cooperation, Trump indicated that discussions on the topic were limited. "We didn’t spend that much time talking about it," he remarked. However, the White House did announce that the U.S. and China have agreed to establish a "bilateral communication channel" to address AI-related incidents, though details on the scope and function of this channel remain unclear. There has been no immediate response from Beijing regarding this development.

In a notable shift, Trump has also proposed renaming AI to "super intelligence" in official communications, a change that was reportedly well-received by Xi Jinping. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged this rewording, stating that "artificial intelligence technologies are continuously developing," and suggesting that all parties should engage in discussions to seek consensus on the latest developments in the field.

Contrasting Trump's assertive stance, Xi has adopted a more cautious approach, emphasizing the need for AI development to remain under human control. This difference in perspective highlights the complexities of international relations concerning technological advancements, particularly as both nations navigate their competitive dynamics in AI.

As the debate over AI regulation continues, the implications of Trump's refusal to cooperate with China on this front remain to be seen. Critics argue that without a collaborative framework, both countries may miss opportunities to address the ethical and safety concerns associated with AI technologies. The outcome of this ongoing discourse will likely shape the future landscape of AI development, not only in the U.S. and China but across the globe.

The conversation surrounding AI regulation is expected to persist, especially as technological advancements accelerate. As leaders and experts call for a more responsible approach, the challenge remains for policymakers to balance innovation with safety and ethical considerations in an increasingly complex technological environment.

Source: Al Jazeera
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