The United States and China are expected to hold artificial intelligence talks in September, marking a potentially important step as the world’s two largest AI powers wrestle with frontier model risks, export controls and national security concerns.
Bessent Expected to Lead US Side
The planned dialogue would give Washington and Beijing a formal channel on one of the most sensitive technology issues in their rivalry. Reuters reported that the September talks would likely be led on the U.S. side by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
The talks are still being arranged. The agenda, location and identities of other U.S. and Chinese participants remain under deliberation because preparations are still at an initial stage.
U.S. News similarly reported that the agenda and participants have not yet been confirmed.
First Official AI Dialogue Under Trump
The meeting would be politically significant because it would be the first official U.S.-China AI dialogue under President Donald Trump. Former President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping previously agreed after 2024 working-level talks in Geneva that humans, not AI, should control nuclear weapons decisions. The planned September meeting would constitute the first official AI dialogue between the two countries under Trump.
The timing also connects the dialogue to wider U.S.-China diplomacy. The talks would likely happen before Xi’s planned September 24 visit to the United States, although dates have not been finalized. That gives the AI meeting a possible role in shaping the broader Trump-Xi agenda.
Frontier Models Raise Security Concerns
The talks are expected to focus on the risks of advanced AI systems, not just trade competition. Washington and Beijing are weighing how to regulate advanced AI models that could strengthen military capabilities, enable cyberattacks on critical infrastructure and disrupt labor markets.
U.S. News reported that the two governments are grappling with how to mitigate risks posed by each other’s powerful frontier models.
Bessent has already previewed the U.S. concern.
CNBC reported Bessent as saying the United States and China would discuss best practices for AI and how to make sure non-state actors do not gain access to the most powerful models.
Export Controls and Open Models Add Pressure
The planned talks come as both sides consider tougher restrictions. The U.S. has already limited exports to China of some of the most advanced AI chips. Washington is considering restrictions on Chinese open-weight AI models because of their growing capabilities and popularity.
China is also weighing its own controls. Chinese authorities are considering curbs on overseas access to the most powerful Chinese-developed AI models.
Talks May Start With Basic Definitions
Expectations for the first meeting appear limited. Paul Triolo, a partner at DGA-Albright Stonebridge Group, shared that the first meeting is unlikely to solve major problems and may focus on basic terms such as what defines a frontier AI model. China wants real engagement and technical discussion rather than political talks.
That limited starting point may still matter. A shared definition of frontier AI, model release risks or non-state actor access could become the basis for more serious future negotiations. The talks may not reduce U.S.-China AI competition, but they could create a channel for managing the risks of a technology race neither side can afford to ignore.
