Bessent and He discuss US-China AI communications in New York
On September 20, 2026, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng met in New York for talks that included artificial intelligence, trade and agenda items for a coming leaders’ summit. The sides agreed to formalize an AI dialogue, but accounts differed on whether they had also agreed to establish an incident hotline or were still exploring one.
Countries involved United States · 2 outletsChina · 1 outlet
First reported among our outlets by CGTN (China), · most coverage from United States (1), United Kingdom (1), South Korea (1), Russia (1)
What the parties said
United States
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said after the New York meeting that the two sides had agreed to formalize an AI dialogue, explore an "incident line" for significant AI…
We think that, just like with any cross-border activity, that moving from opaque to more transparency between the number one and the number two AI powers in the world is very…
Coverage
Fox News · United States23 Sep 23:28Bessent reveals extension to Busan agreement with China until January
The secretary proposed an AI "notification mechanism" between the U.S. and China that would allow the two countries to alert each other about AI-related safety incidents that…
NPR · United States24 Sep 12:43Trump and Xi strike cordial tone at summit amid underlying tensions
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Sunday that Washington and Beijing are discussing ways to warn each other about AI incidents that pose national security risks.
Beyond tariffs: A wider agenda for China-US relations
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said after the New York meeting that the two sides had agreed to formalize an AI dialogue, explore an "incident line" for significant AI…
South China Morning Post · Hong Kong23 Sep 15:52Bessent announces 2-month extension of US-China trade truce
We had some unfinished business from Sunday.
The Hankyoreh · South KoreaU.S.: Unlikely Trump-Xi meeting will announce extension of trade truce…discussions to continue
1 more from The Hankyoreh
Trump-Xi meeting on the 24th: US prioritizes ‘results,’ China ‘stability’
Yonhap News Agency · South Korea23 Sep 19:00US and China hold last-minute talks ahead of leaders’ meeting; US Treasury secretary: “China proposed a bigger deal” (updated)
3 more from Yonhap News Agency
US and Chinese economic chiefs hold last-minute talks on agenda in Washington a day before leaders’ summitUS Treasury: US and China agree to extend trade truce by two months… China: “AI discussed for the first time” (Roundup 2)US Treasury Secretary: “Agreed to extend US-China trade truce by two months… until January 10 next year” (updated)
France 24 · France24 Sep 01:48Trump gives Xi rare airport welcome as Chinese leader begins US state visit
Preliminary talks on Sunday between Bessent and his Chinese counterpart He Lifeng included discussion of creating a communication channel for AI concerns.
Deutsche Welle · Germany22 Sep 14:04US-China AI race: Does Trump want to regulate AI by forming a new task force and a special envoy for artificial intelligence in the US?
The US already proposed establishing a mechanism for exchanging information about serious risks posed by AI.
El País · Spain24 Sep 03:59Red carpet, flowers and Trump: Xi Jinping’s arrival in Washington
1 more from El País
Trump’s gala dinner (and a bald eagle) to honor Xi Jinping
BBC News · United Kingdom23 Sep 05:02White House to roll out the red carpet for historic Xi Jinping visit later
very successful
The Guardian · United Kingdom23 Sep 02:35AI looms large over Trump-Xi meeting amid deep distrust between US and China
On Sunday, Scott Bessent, the US treasury secretary, concluded talks with the Chinese vice-premier He Lifeng by proposing an AI safety mechanism to be established between…
Clarín · Argentina23 Sep 22:40China’s President Xi in Washington for eagerly awaited summit with Trump
1 more from Clarín
Xi proposes “human control” over artificial intelligence to Trump
TASS · Russia22 Sep 21:56Xi Jinping’s visit to US: what to expect from talks with Trump
The sides also agreed to launch an artificial intelligence dialogue to prevent escalation.
NDTV · India24 Sep 01:53Xi Jinping Lands In US For Key State Visit, Trump Receives Him
Preliminary talks on Sunday between US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and his Chinese counterpart He Lifeng included discussion of creating a communication channel for AI…
The Hindu · India24 Sep 01:31With Trump-Xi truce, China looks to reshape Asian order
In the lead up to the visit, the two sides held talks in New York between Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, including to set up a dialogue…
Where accounts differ
Whether the sides had agreed to establish an AI incident hotline or notification mechanism
Some accounts described the mechanism as proposed or still being explored.
On Sunday, Scott Bessent, the US treasury secretary, concluded talks with the Chinese vice-premier He Lifeng by proposing an AI safety mechanism to be established between…
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said after the New York meeting that the two sides had agreed to formalize an AI dialogue, explore an "incident line" for significant AI…
Other accounts said the sides agreed to a mutual notification mechanism or hotline.