The proposal seeks to establish a mutual notification mechanism for artificial intelligence-related incidents that could pose a national security risk.
New York, September 21, 2026 – The United States and China
have begun discussions on creating an alert and notification mechanism for
artificial intelligence (AI)-related incidents that could reach a level of risk
to national security.
The proposal was put forward by Washington during talks held
in New York between U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice
Premier He Lifeng, as part of preparations for the upcoming meeting between
Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping.
Bessent explained that both countries are considering
establishing a bilateral dialogue on artificial intelligence that would include
a notification system to report incidents that could pose significant threats
to national security.
The goal, according to the U.S. official, would be to
increase transparency between the world's two leading powers regarding AI and
establish communication channels to address risks that could transcend national
borders.
The proposal comes at a time of growing technological competition
between Washington and Beijing. Both countries are developing increasingly
advanced artificial intelligence systems, while maintaining differences over
technological security, export controls, and the use of AI in military and
security contexts.
US and Chinese experts have previously raised the need to
establish lines of communication to respond to incidents caused by autonomous
systems, particularly in scenarios involving critical infrastructure, cyber
operations, and military systems.