US and China discuss AI incident notification mechanism ahead of summit

US and China explore an AI incident notification mechanism ahead of their summit to boost transparency, safety, and crisis communication.

US and China discuss AI incident notification mechanism ahead of summit
Publish: 21.09.2026
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Top US and Chinese officials discussed creating a new notification mechanism for AI incidents that could affect national security, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told reporters after talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in New York on Sunday. Bessent described the meetings as successful and said the talks included plans to increase transparency between the two leading AI powers.

The meeting took place shortly before a scheduled summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington later this week. Bessent said the talks also covered operationalizing a process to identify potential tariff cuts through the Board of Trade and other economic and trade issues.

Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported candid, in-depth and constructive exchanges on key economic and trade matters, noting that AI was discussed. The BBC has contacted the Chinese embassy in the US for comment.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The officials’ discussion focused on establishing a mechanism to notify each other about AI incidents with national security implications and on enhancing transparency between the two countries’ AI activities, according to statements by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and reporting from Xinhua. The talks also addressed potential steps to operationalize tariff review processes via the Board of Trade.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

  • US and Chinese officials discussed a proposed notification mechanism for AI incidents affecting national security.
  • Talks occurred in New York between Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Vice Premier He Lifeng and were described as successful.
  • The meetings also covered operationalizing tariff review via the Board of Trade and broader economic and trade issues.
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