U.S. and Chinese officials convened in New York to discuss key trade and technology issues ahead of an anticipated meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Led by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, the talks focused on managing trade tensions and addressing mutual concerns over artificial intelligence.
The meeting comes as both nations aim to sustain a fragile trade truce set to expire in November. Discussions centered on reducing trade barriers, such as tariffs and export restrictions impacting American energy and agricultural products. These efforts are part of a broader initiative to ease ongoing economic tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
Artificial intelligence emerged as a significant point of contention. U.S. officials, alongside technology companies, have expressed worries about Chinese firms developing AI systems utilizing technology based on American models. In turn, China has dismissed these accusations and opposed any perceived attempts to limit its burgeoning AI industry.
As the Trump-Xi summit approaches, both sides are expected to explore strategies for managing AI development risks and averting further division in their technology sectors. The summit will likely address broader economic and strategic relations, including trade restrictions and technological competition.