US and China discuss AI safety plan ahead of Trump-Xi summit

China: China, the People's Republic under President Xi Jinping, is a leading global power investing heavily in AI development as part of its technological and economic strategy. In this news, Chinese officials engaged in talks with the US on establishing mechanisms for AI safety notifications and broader economic cooperation. He Lifeng: He Lifeng is a Vice Premier of China responsible for economic and financial affairs, often representing Beijing in high-level international economic dialogues. In this news, he participated in the New York talks with US Treasury Secretary Bessent, covering AI safety and trade topics ahead of the Trump-Xi summit. Xi Jinping: Xi Jinping is the President of China and paramount leader, shaping the country's approach to AI innovation, global diplomacy, and economic relations. In this news, he is scheduled to meet President Trump in Washington to discuss outcomes from recent US-China talks on AI and trade. Donald Trump: Donald Trump is the President of the United States, directing US foreign policy and technology strategy, including positions on AI development and competition with China. In this news, he is preparing for a summit with Xi Jinping where proposals from the preparatory talks on AI safety will be considered. Scott Bessent: Scott Bessent serves as US Treasury Secretary in the Trump administration, handling economic policy, trade negotiations, and emerging issues like technology security. In this news, he led the US side in discussions with Chinese counterparts, proposing a notification system for AI incidents affecting national security. US Government: The US Government under President Donald Trump oversees federal policy on technology, national security, and international relations, including efforts to maintain leadership in emerging technologies like AI. In this news, it is advancing proposals for greater transparency with China on AI-related national security incidents through diplomatic channels ahead of the leaders' summit. Risks: US and Chinese policymakers share concerns over advanced AI threats including cyberattacks, biological misuse, and potential loss of control, even amid broader strategic competition. Diplomacy: US and Chinese officials recently held preparatory talks proposing a dedicated dialogue and notification mechanism for AI incidents with national security implications ahead of the leaders' summit. Summit Preparation: The recent engagement between Treasury Secretary Bessent and Vice Premier He Lifeng is intended to lay groundwork for President Trump and President Xi to address AI safety alongside economic issues at their upcoming meeting.