Bessent Says 2 AI Superpowers Will Start Safety Talks as U.S. Vows to Keep Its Lead
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · May 17
Bessent Says 2 AI Superpowers Will Start Safety Talks as U.S. Vows to Keep Its Lead
2 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · May 17
Scott Bessent said the world’s two “AI superpowers” will begin formal talks on AI safety, with an initial goal of building a framework for responsible use.
One priority, he said, is preventing non-state actors from obtaining advanced AI models, even as Washington frames the talks from a position of technological advantage.
Bessent also signaled the U.S. does not intend to surrender that edge, saying the dialogue is possible because America is ahead and implying China would be less willing if roles were reversed.
The broader challenge is that AI is an economic and strategic growth engine—not just a weapons issue—making Beijing unlikely to accept guardrails that could lock in a lasting No. 2 position.
Even so, limited talks could still help crisis management by improving communication and reducing the risk of military miscalculation at machine speed.
Amid the race for AI supremacy, can US-China safety talks establish real guardrails or just manage escalating competition?
How will Western tech compete as China deploys cheaper, open-source AI models to capture global market share?
As AI eliminates junior roles, how can we prepare the next generation for a radically different job market?
US and China Open Formal AI Safety Negotiations as Frontier Models Expose Global Cyber Risks
Overview
On May 14, 2026, the United States and China agreed to start formal discussions on AI safety during President Donald Trump’s summit with President Xi Jinping in Beijing. This marked the first visit by a sitting U.S. president to China since 2017 and signaled a new phase in their relationship. The U.S., seeing China as substantially behind in AI development, views this as a chance to shape global AI safety norms while keeping its technological lead. The late addition of Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang to Trump’s delegation highlights the importance of technology leaders in these high-stakes talks, even as the U.S. continues efforts to limit China’s AI progress.