The United States and China are preparing to sit down for formal talks on artificial intelligence this September, according to five sources familiar with the matter who spoke with Reuters. The discussions represent a major development in how the two global powers are approaching the growing risks tied to increasingly capable AI systems.
The planned talks are considered a key result of a summit between the two countries’ leaders held in May. They are expected to occur before a scheduled September 24 visit to the United States by the Chinese president, though exact dates have not yet been set. All five sources requested anonymity because the information has not been officially announced.
On the American side, the talks are expected to be led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, according to four of the sources. However, three sources noted that details surrounding other participants from both countries, as well as the location and agenda for the discussions, are still being determined as planning remains in its early stages.
Reuters reached out to the White House, the U.S. State Department, and the U.S. Treasury for comment but did not receive an immediate response. Several Chinese government bodies — including the National Development and Reform Commission, the cyberspace regulator, the industry and foreign ministries, and the State Council — also did not respond to faxed requests for comment.
