The United States and China have agreed to establish a communication channel to discuss the risks and benefits of artificial intelligence (AI). However, they did not offer concrete cooperation measures, such as establishing joint regulations.
Reuters reported on the 26th (local time) that the U.S. and China agreed to begin dialogues in the AI field on the occasion of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Washington, D.C.
The U.S. White House stated in a fact sheet that both countries agreed to use the term “Super Intelligence (SI)” instead of AI when referring to the relevant new technology. SI is an alternative term for AI that President Trump unveiled during his speech at the UN General Assembly on the 22nd.
The White House plans to establish the “U.S.-China SI Dialogue” to exchange views on SI and continue follow-up discussions by November. Both countries also plan to set up a communication channel in the event of related incidents.
China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also confirmed in a statement that the two countries agreed to establish a U.S.-China AI dialogue and build a bilateral communication channel regarding related incidents. However, it used the expression AI instead of SI, which was used by the U.S. side.
A spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement released in Q&A format, “The leaders of both countries held in-depth discussions on AI during this summit,” adding, “Regarding the use of AI terminology, China attaches importance to the U.S. position and respects the expression chosen by the U.S.”
The spokesperson added, “AI development is a continuous process,” and “Through more active communication and in-depth exchanges of views in the future, both countries will seek common ground on the direction of future development.”
Differences in tone emerged regarding the scope of AI cooperation during the summit process and in public remarks.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated regarding the introduction of new regulations on AI, “I want to leave it as it is.”
On the other hand, President Xi emphasized the need for regulation during the summit, saying, “AI must always be under human control.”
At the same time, he also opened up the possibility of cooperation with the U.S. “Both China and the U.S. are AI powerhouses, and while competition exists, cooperation is also possible,” he said, adding, “Rather than being on guard and defending against each other, each should demonstrate its own strengths.”
President Trump met with reporters at the White House and emphasized that the U.S. is ahead of China in the AI field, saying, “When you are in the lead, you don't open the door for each other.”
