US proposes AI incident notification mechanism with China

12:10

By: Azzat Manal

US proposes AI incident notification mechanism with China

The United States has proposed establishing a bilateral notification mechanism with China to alert each other about artificial intelligence incidents that could have national security implications, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said after high-level talks with Chinese officials in New York.

The proposal emerged from weekend discussions between Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, held ahead of a planned meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington. The initiative reflects growing concerns in both countries over the security risks associated with increasingly capable AI systems and their potential use in military and cyber operations.

Bessent said Washington wants greater transparency between the two leading AI powers, arguing that communication over serious incidents could help the countries identify common risks and avoid misunderstandings. The proposed mechanism would provide a channel for discussing AI-related events that could potentially affect national security.

AI has become an increasingly important part of the broader U.S.-China relationship. Washington and Beijing are competing over advanced computing, semiconductor technology and the development of increasingly sophisticated AI models, while also discussing ways to reduce the risks associated with the technology. Reuters reported that AI governance and safeguards are expected to feature prominently in the upcoming Trump-Xi meeting.

The discussions also come as experts from both countries have called for stronger safeguards around military applications of AI. A recent U.S.-China expert dialogue recommended measures including human oversight of critical systems and direct communication channels to manage potentially dangerous AI-related incidents. The recommendations have not been formally adopted by either government.

The weekend meetings also covered economic and trade issues. U.S. and Chinese officials agreed to continue work on a proposed bilateral trade body intended to address commercial disputes and other areas of economic cooperation. However, differences remain over critical minerals, technology restrictions and market access.

The two governments have yet to announce a detailed framework for the proposed AI notification system, and China's response to the initiative has so far remained limited. Any agreement would have to address sensitive questions about what incidents should be reported, how information would be protected and how the mechanism could operate without compromising national security.

The proposal nevertheless signals that AI safety is becoming part of the wider diplomatic agenda between Washington and Beijing. As both countries accelerate the development and deployment of advanced AI systems, establishing channels for crisis communication could become an increasingly important element of their efforts to manage technology-related risks.