Xi Jinping Calls for U.S.-China AI Cooperation Amid Rising Technological Tensions

A visitor walks by a billboard for AI as they attend the PT Expo on September 22, 2026 in Beijing, China.

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BEIJING — Chinese President Xi Jinping urged for enhanced cooperation with the United States on artificial intelligence during a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, emphasizing that collaborative opportunities outweigh competitive dynamics in the rapidly evolving sector.

According to a state media readout of the leaders’ encounter in the White House Oval Office, Xi highlighted the significance of ongoing AI dialogue between the two nations, advocating for open discussions on potential risks and benefits associated with AI development.

“The two sides can continue AI dialogue, exchange views on risks and benefits, and together guard against the misuse or malicious use of AI,” Xi was quoted as saying through a CNBC translation of the official statement.

He emphasized that while both countries engage in AI competition, cooperation holds greater potential for mutual advancement. “Both sides have competition. Cooperation, even more so,” he stated.

Xi also underscored the importance of maintaining human oversight over AI technologies, stressing that these systems should be developed to support and enhance human progress rather than operate autonomously against societal interests.

Amidst these diplomatic overtures, tensions persist as the U.S. has imposed restrictions on China’s access to advanced semiconductor technologies critical for AI model training, accusing Chinese firms of illicitly acquiring American AI capabilities.

Recent developments have sparked concerns about the risks posed by increasingly autonomous AI systems, particularly their potential to accelerate cyber threats and complicate containment efforts.

Following discussions with Chinese negotiators in New York, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced earlier in the week that both parties are considering the establishment of a formal U.S.-China AI Dialogue mechanism, including proposals for a joint alert system to monitor AI-related incidents.

China’s Commerce Ministry confirmed that senior Chinese trade officials conducted their inaugural AI-focused talks with U.S. counterparts on Thursday, marking a new chapter in bilateral technology cooperation despite underlying geopolitical frictions.

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