The United States and China are preparing to hold formal talks on artificial intelligence in September
The United States and China are preparing for high-level discussions on artificial intelligence in September, marking a significant step as the two countries compete for leadership in the rapidly developing technology sector.
According to people familiar with the matter cited by Reuters, the talks are expected to focus on the growing risks associated with advanced AI systems, including their potential use in military applications, cybersecurity and their wider economic impact.
The discussions are expected to take place ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s planned visit to the United States in September.
Artificial intelligence has become one of the most strategically important areas of technology competition between Washington and Beijing. Both countries are investing heavily in advanced computing, AI models and semiconductor technology.
The United States has previously introduced restrictions affecting the export of advanced AI chips to China, while policymakers in both countries continue to debate how increasingly powerful AI systems should be regulated.
The upcoming talks could provide an opportunity for both sides to discuss technical issues and establish basic areas of understanding, even as wider competition between the world’s two largest economies continues.
Among the key questions are how advanced AI models should be defined, how their risks should be assessed and what rules should apply to technologies that could have both civilian and military applications.
The talks are also significant because AI development is moving at a rapid pace. New AI systems are increasingly being used in business, education, software development, healthcare and creative industries.
Experts have warned that without international cooperation, the rapid development of powerful AI systems could create new risks involving cybersecurity, misinformation and job disruption.
While the September discussions are unlikely to resolve the broader technology competition between the United States and China, they could establish a framework for future dialogue.
For the global technology industry, any progress toward clearer rules around AI could be important as governments attempt to balance innovation with safety and national security.
