<p>Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and former Trump adviser Steve Bannon formed an unexpected alliance at the "Pro-Human Assembly 2026" conference focused on skepticism towards artificial intelligence, which took place on September 15, 2026. Their collaboration persisted despite significant disagreements regarding China.</p>
<p>Bannon addressed the audience immediately following Sanders's strong criticism of AI development and the influence of Big Tech leaders. He echoed Sanders's concerns about technology "oligarchs," utilizing similar language in his remarks.</p>
<p>During his speech, Bannon acknowledged the unusual partnership between the two political figures, noting their stark differences, particularly in their views on President Donald Trump. He commended Sanders's speech and his warnings about AI.</p>
<p>“I think Sen. Sanders did a great job summarizing the risk,” Bannon stated.</p>
<p>However, the contrasting views of Sanders and Bannon were evident to many attendees. A key point of divergence was their perspectives on China, which was a significant topic in both speeches.</p>
<p>Sanders referenced historical precedents to express hope regarding the AI competition with China, citing the diplomatic achievements of Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev and President Ronald Reagan in nuclear disarmament despite their mutual distrust.</p>
<p>“They understood that nuclear war would not be good for the Second Union, not be good for the United States, not be good for the world, and they came together for a nuclear treaty with the survival of humanity at stake,” Sanders said. “They found a way to sign that treaty, and I believe that we are at the moment in history that leaders of the United States and China must come together in a simple way to bring forth a ban on AI superintelligence.”</p>
<p>He pointed to the upcoming summit between Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping as a critical opportunity to establish such a treaty.</p>
<p>In contrast, Bannon criticized the idea of any agreement with China, dedicating a significant portion of his speech to condemning the Chinese Communist Party and dismissing the feasibility of cooperation.</p>
<p>“Yes, I would like to have some international agreements with the Chinese Communist Party,” he remarked. “Not that they would ever live up to anything, particularly on something that’s deadly. I think that would be great. I also think it doesn’t matter.”</p>
<p>Bannon further asserted that the U.S. should take a hardline stance against the Chinese Communist Party, stating, “We have to shut down the Chinese Communist Party … put a quarantine around it.”</p>
<p>He concluded by emphasizing that the U.S. should have no agreements with China regarding AI, asserting, “You’re out of the AI business because we’re going to shut your ecosystem down.”</p>
<p>Although Sanders did not respond to Bannon's remarks, the disagreement did not seem to disrupt the conference. Both speakers received considerable applause, with the audience appearing to favor Sanders more.</p>
<p>The conference also featured a range of speakers promoting bipartisanship, including Progressive Rep. Greg Casar (D-TX) and Conservative Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX), who spoke consecutively.</p>