China has confirmed that senior officials held their first talks with the United States focused on artificial intelligence. The talks took place as both countries prepared for a meeting between their leaders. China’s Commerce Ministry confirmed the discussions on Thursday. Spokesperson He Yadong said senior trade negotiators from both countries discussed artificial intelligence.
The officials also discussed tariffs and existing trade arrangements. These discussions came ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington.
China confirms first AI talks with U.S.
The talks involved Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The officials met in New York before the Trump-Xi summit. China said the discussions were constructive and candid. The two sides also reached several points of consensus during their meetings.
AI has become an important issue in relations between Washington and Beijing. Both countries are developing increasingly advanced artificial intelligence systems. Officials are also examining the security risks linked to rapidly advancing AI technology. Recent incidents involving AI systems have increased concerns about possible misuse and security threats. Earlier this week, Bessent said the two countries discussed creating an AI dialogue. He also mentioned a possible system for notifying each other about AI-related risks.
The latest talks could provide a formal channel for discussing those concerns. However, the discussions do not indicate that both countries have resolved their wider technology differences.
Trade truce extension also discussed
Trade remained another major part of the negotiations. He Yadong said the two sides discussed reducing tariffs and extending trade arrangements agreed in Kuala Lumpur last year. The existing trade truce was reached in October 2025. It helped keep tariffs lower between the two countries. The agreement also limited some Chinese export controls on rare earth materials. These materials are important for semiconductors, consumer products, and defense equipment. Bessent said Wednesday that the United States and China had agreed to extend the trade truce until January. The reported extension would maintain parts of the current trade framework.
The trade issue is especially important as both countries continue to manage disagreements over tariffs and exports.
AI and trade meet ahead of Trump-Xi talks
The timing of the AI discussions is significant. China confirmed the talks only hours before Trump and Xi were scheduled to meet. The leaders’ meeting is expected to cover trade and technology issues. AI, tariffs, and critical minerals remain important areas in their bilateral relationship.
The first AI talks also show that artificial intelligence is becoming part of broader U.S.-China negotiations. For now, the two countries have established a new channel for discussing AI risks. They are also continuing negotiations over trade arrangements and tariffs. Both sides continue discussions on trade and technology.
Further talks will show how the new AI dialogue develops and whether the trade arrangements remain in place.
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