Xi Calls for Deeper U.S.-China AI Cooperation in Trump Talks

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for stronger cooperation with the United States on artificial intelligence during his state visit to Washington, highlighting AI safety and human oversight as potential areas for closer engagement between the world’s two largest economies.

Xi met U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday as part of his first U.S. state visit in more than a decade. According to China’s Foreign Ministry, Xi said the two countries have strong AI capabilities and could find more opportunities for cooperation even as they compete technologically.

Xi said Washington and Beijing should continue dialogue on the risks and benefits of artificial intelligence while working together to prevent the misuse and abuse of the technology. He also stressed that AI development should remain under human control and ultimately support human progress.

During a White House state dinner later Thursday, Xi said his discussions with Trump had produced a “common understanding on many issues,” which he said added new substance to the two countries’ relationship. He also drew a parallel between Trump’s “Make America Great Again” agenda and China’s goal of national rejuvenation, describing the ambitions as capable of reinforcing each other.

Trump also backed continued dialogue on artificial intelligence. According to the Chinese readout of their bilateral meeting, the U.S. president said AI concerns the future of humanity and that Washington and Beijing should strengthen cooperation in the field.

The focus on AI comes as technology increasingly shapes U.S.-China relations alongside trade, security and geopolitical tensions. Both countries are competing to establish leadership in advanced AI systems while confronting concerns over safety, misuse and governance.

Xi’s Washington visit follows Trump’s trip to China in May. The two leaders have described their recent exchanges as part of an effort to establish greater strategic stability between the United States and China, with AI emerging as a potential area for continued dialogue despite broader competition.