U.S., China Agree to AI Talks as Washington Pushes U.S. Tech Across 21 APEC Economies
Updated
Updated · CNBC · May 22
U.S., China Agree to AI Talks as Washington Pushes U.S. Tech Across 21 APEC Economies
9 articles · Updated · CNBC · May 22
Safe AI development talks between the U.S. and China were agreed after Donald Trump and Xi Jinping met in Beijing last week, though neither side has said when or how negotiations will start.
Casey K. Mace said the U.S. is using this month's APEC meetings in China to promote American AI in food traceability, genome sequencing and biotech, describing the tone as positive.
July's APEC digital week in Chengdu will feature workshops by U.S. tech companies for all 21 APEC economies, part of a broader push to expand American technology use in Asia.
That effort faces a direct China challenge: Washington restricts Chinese access to advanced U.S. chips, while Chinese firms are building cheaper alternatives and competing to spread their own AI systems regionally.
Can America's premium AI win Asia against China's cheaper, open-source rivals?
Will U.S.-China AI talks prevent future threats or just mask their escalating technological rivalry?
2026 U.S.-China AI Summit: Trade Deals, Tech Rivalry, and the Future of Asia-Pacific Governance
Overview
In May 2026, a two-day summit in Beijing brought together U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leaders, resulting in the announcement of new trade deals and an agreement to start discussions on safe AI development and governance. At the same time, the U.S. increased its efforts to promote American AI and digital technologies across the Asia-Pacific, using forums like APEC to advance its interests. These moves reflect a broader strategy to address regional challenges, such as maritime security concerns linked to China’s large distant-water fleet, and highlight the growing competition between the U.S. and China over technology and influence in the region.