U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Sunday that talks with Chinese officials on trade and artificial intelligence were “very successful,” highlighting discussions on strengthening communication between the two countries over risks associated with AI.
Speaking to reporters after meeting Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in New York, Bessent said: “We just had very successful discussions with the Chinese side on trade and artificial intelligence.”
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer also took part in the talks, which lasted around eight hours and paved the way for discussions on potential agreements covering trade, AI and other issues ahead of the expected meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington on Thursday.
Bessent said the United States had proposed establishing a mutual notification mechanism for AI-related incidents that could pose national security risks.
He said the proposed mechanism would fall under a new “U.S.-China AI dialogue,” with both sides agreeing to hold further meetings to continue discussions.
Bessent also held a bilateral meeting with He Lifeng during the talks, which were hosted at JPMorgan Chase’s headquarters in New York. Chinese official Li Chenggang, who recently assumed a senior role overseeing international trade, also attended.
Greer, for his part, stressed the “need for us to be able to work together.”
The U.S.-China discussions are focused on easing trade and technology tensions and addressing other strategic issues, including extending the current trade truce, facilitating the flow of critical minerals to U.S. manufacturers, and establishing frameworks for managing AI-related risks.
Washington is also seeking to follow up on previous commitments made by Beijing, including increasing its purchases of U.S. agricultural products. Working-group meetings could continue through Monday.
Source: AFP
