US, China to open AI ‘communication channel’

The US and China agreed to set up a “communication channel” for artificial intelligence (AI) incidents, the White House said on Friday, after a Washington summit short on breakthroughs.

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) discussed matters ranging from AI and trade to the stalled war in Iran, and confirmed that they would meet for a third and fourth time this year at international summits in China and the US.

Xi’s visit to Washington was marked more by pomp than substance, but the White House said the nations agreed to establish a “bilateral communication channel” for AI incidents.

US President Donald Trump, right, speaks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the steps of the US National Archives Museum in Washington on Friday.

Photo: AP

While billionaire Trump has repeatedly dismissed fears that AI could pose a threat to humanity, Xi took a more measured tone, saying that the technology must develop under human control.

The White House also reported some deals from the visit, including China agreeing to import at least 10 million tonnes of coal from the US next year and in 2028. Additionally, the two countries agreed more favorable tariff treatment for US$30 billion of “non-sensitive goods” in each direction and two Chinese pandas were to arrive at a US zoo.

Beijing did not immediately comment after the White House statements.