**Title: US and China to Establish 'AI Dialogue' Amid Rising Concerns**
**By Emma De Ruiter**
**Published on 21/09/2026 - 5:54 GMT+2 | Updated 9:10**
In a significant move towards addressing shared concerns regarding artificial intelligence (AI), economic officials from the United States and China convened on Sunday to discuss the establishment of a dedicated communication channel. This initiative, termed the "US-China AI dialogue," aims to facilitate transparency and cooperation between the two leading AI powers ahead of a summit between their respective leaders later this week.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who participated in the discussions with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in New York, emphasized the necessity of a collaborative approach to AI governance. "We want a shared vision of common goals and common threats," Bessent stated to reporters following the meeting. He highlighted the importance of transitioning from "opaque to more transparency" in AI-related matters, particularly given the potential risks associated with advanced AI technologies.
The proposed dialogue includes a notification mechanism designed to alert both nations to any incidents that may escalate to a national security level due to AI developments. Bessent noted that both sides have agreed to reconvene for further discussions, signaling a commitment to ongoing dialogue on this critical issue.
These talks serve as a precursor to a highly anticipated meeting scheduled for Thursday between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The leaders are expected to operationalize a new "Board of Trade," which was initially discussed during their previous meeting in Beijing in May. This board aims to enhance economic cooperation and address key trade issues between the two countries.
The backdrop of these discussions is marked by increasing global apprehension about the implications of rapidly advancing AI technologies. Both the US and China are navigating a complex landscape where fears about the existential risks posed by AI systems are growing. Despite the competitive nature of their technological race, the potential for catastrophic outcomes has created a rare opportunity for collaboration.
While President Trump has faced pressure to slow the pace of AI development to mitigate risks, he has resisted these calls, arguing that doing so could hinder the competitive edge of US companies against their Chinese counterparts. This stance reflects a broader tension between fostering innovation and ensuring safety in the rapidly evolving field of AI.
Chinese state media characterized the recent meetings as "candid, in-depth, and constructive," indicating a positive tone in the discussions. According to a brief statement from Xinhua news agency, the two sides engaged in dialogues concerning key economic and trade issues of mutual interest, including the implementation of prior agreements and the promotion of bilateral trade and investment. The report also mentioned that discussions related to AI were part of the agenda, although specific details were not disclosed.
As the US and China prepare for their leaders' summit, the establishment of the "US-China AI dialogue" could represent a pivotal step in addressing the complexities of AI governance. With both nations recognizing the need for a coordinated approach, the outcome of these discussions may have significant implications for the future of AI regulation and international relations in the technology sector.
The upcoming summit will likely further define the trajectory of US-China relations in the context of AI, as both countries seek to balance their competitive interests with the imperative of ensuring safety and stability in an increasingly AI-driven world.