U.S. and Chinese Experts Engage in Informal AI Dialogues Amidst Potential Summit Discussions
Informal dialogues between U.S. and Chinese experts are taking place at think tanks and universities, discussing artificial intelligence ahead of a potential meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping where AI is expected to be a topic of discussion.
Baltimore, MD, September 18, 2026 —
Unseen by the public but significant in diplomatic circles, informal dialogues between experts from the United States and China are currently underway. These discussions, hosted at various think tanks and academic institutions across the country, are centered on the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence (AI). The conversations are gaining particular relevance as they precede a potential high-level meeting between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, where AI is anticipated to be a key agenda item.
These engagements allow specialists from both nations to exchange perspectives and explore complex issues surrounding AI development, regulation, and international cooperation in a non-governmental setting. The specific think tanks and universities hosting these dialogues were not detailed in the available information. Similarly, the exact timelines for these informal discussions have not been publicly disclosed, other than their occurrence ahead of the potential Trump-Xi summit.
The subject matter is broad, likely encompassing areas such as AI ethics, cybersecurity implications, the race for AI supremacy, and potential frameworks for managing risks associated with advanced AI technologies. While official government channels might be constrained by geopolitical tensions, these track-two diplomacy efforts aim to foster understanding and potentially identify common ground on a technology critical to future economic and national security interests for both superpowers. The outcome of these expert-level talks could indirectly influence discussions should a meeting between former President Trump and President Xi materialize, suggesting that AI’s strategic importance is being recognized and addressed through multiple diplomatic avenues. The specific details of the discussions and any potential outcomes remain private as these are informal exchanges.
Story summarized from the original created by John Ruwitch on www.npr.org, see more information here.
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