U.S., China security experts propose nuclear-style safeguards for AI risks

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping tour the Temple of Heaven in Beijing on May 14. | REUTERS

REUTERS

Sep 17, 2026

BEIJING – An artificial intelligence system that interferes with a nuclear command network or launches a military cyber operation could leave Washington or Beijing with minutes to decide whether the other government attacked, according to U.S. and Chinese security experts.

The experts, part of a U.S.-China dialogue whose work helps inform official discussions, are urging both governments to prepare for such scenarios amid rising concerns about increasingly powerful and more autonomous systems.

Their proposals include red lines around nuclear systems, human control over consequential cyberattacks and a hotline for incidents involving autonomous AI.

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