Washington and Beijing Discuss AI Crisis Alerts Ahead of Leaders’ Summit

2026, September 21

United States / China

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent proposed an AI “notification mechanism” during talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in New York. The idea would allow the two countries to alert each other about artificial-intelligence incidents that could pose national-security risks. The discussions also covered trade and the creation of a bilateral “Board of Trade.”

The talks take place ahead of a planned meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Any agreement on crisis communication could be significant because both countries are developing advanced AI systems for civilian, military and intelligence applications, while remaining divided over technology controls and trade restrictions.