US Proposes AI Alert System with China Amid Trade Truce Uncertainty

WASHINGTON — The United States has put forth a plan to establish a notification exchange system with China focused on national security issues related to artificial intelligence. This proposal comes as the two countries deferred discussions regarding a long-term extension for their fragile trade agreement, which is set to expire in November.

Bessent, a US Treasury official, stated, “The most important thing is just to start talking,” highlighting the initiation of an AI dialogue, with plans for another meeting in about two months. This discussion followed a lengthy meeting with Chinese counterpart He Lifeng at JPMorgan Chase headquarters in New York, ahead of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly.

The envisioned notification system seems to be inspired by the Washington-Moscow hotline established during the Cold War, aimed at facilitating direct communication between the Pentagon and the Kremlin. During discussions, Bessent articulated concerns regarding the potential for AI agents to act autonomously, possibly resulting in the creation of biological or other types of weapons.

This American initiative surfaced just days after leading AI firms advocated for a global pause in development due to fears surrounding the technology’s unpredictable nature.

Interestingly, former President Trump has dismissed calls for slowing down AI advancements, arguing that such a move could advantage Beijing in the competition for dominance in this crucial sector.

Some critics, including Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), have suggested that the US should collaborate with China as prominent companies enhance their AI systems to become self-improving.

In contrast, many top Chinese companies have adopted open AI models, which invite external suggestions for enhancement, while leading US companies generally utilize proprietary models that are less accessible to outside input.

Alongside AI discussions, the trade truce, expiring on November 10, dominated the agenda. Bessent remarked that both nations desire to preserve the stability maintained over the past year.

Trump initiated a trade conflict with China early in his second term by imposing high tariffs, which prompted retaliatory measures from Beijing. Both sides subsequently de-escalated tensions and reached a formal agreement last November.

The US has proposed a six-month extension of the truce, while China is seeking an extension that would last until the end of Trump’s current term, according to reports. Furthermore, Trump is scheduled to host Chinese President Xi Jinping for a state visit on Thursday, marking Xi’s first visit to the US since 2023.