U.S. Open to Discuss AI Shared Risks with China, Treasury Secretary Bessent States

<p>The U.S. is open to discussing shared risks with China in upcoming AI talks this weekend, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Axios.</p><p>The Trump administration has rejected calls from industry to slow down the development of AI, citing competition with China.</p><hr /><ul><li>Bessent's scheduled meeting with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng could provide an opportunity for talks on U.S.-China AI safety cooperation.</li></ul><p>"The United States remains the leader in AI. And we are open to discussions on avoiding shared risks and avoiding bifurcation of our two systems. We expect our discussions to cover both open and closed weight models," Bessent stated.</p><ul><li>"Bessent and United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer are the point people on China. So it makes sense the secretary is in this position," a senior administration official said.</li></ul><p>There will be multi-hour meetings in New York City, focused on AI, trade, rare earths, and other economic issues, building on previous discussions held globally, sources familiar with the matter said.</p><ul><li>The agenda will remain flexible to allow for substantive discussions across relevant issues, sources added.</li><li>Possible working-level meetings may continue into Monday, according to sources.</li></ul><p>Bessent has played a key role in the Trump administration's AI agenda. He was among the cabinet members who attended a G7 press conference in June, where top AI CEOs and the administration discussed a U.S.-led effort to coordinate global AI standards.</p><ul><li>Bessent also helped improve relations between Anthropic and the administration following a fallout with the Pentagon and is viewed as a trusted figure by the private sector and critical infrastructure operators, sources have previously indicated.</li><li>Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick led high-profile AI discussions during the G20 summit in North Carolina earlier this month, while Bessent is taking the lead on talks with China.</li></ul><p>Bessent's meetings in New York come days before a summit between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington on September 24.</p><ul><li>AI CEOs have been advocating for U.S.-China coordination on safety standards.</li><li>The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated this week that "all parties should jointly promote the open and inclusive development of AI for good and for all," while pushing back against U.S. AI companies' calls to slow down and warning against "fear-mongering." </li></ul><p>While a significant breakthrough in U.S.-China safety cooperation remains challenging, Bessent's involvement indicates potential for engagement on AI between the two countries.</p>