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What’s the US–China AI ‘hotline’ that Trump plans to pitch to Xi Jinping?
Developing
In Short: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent proposes an AI hotline to China to address national security concerns, ahead of a Trump-Xi summit.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has proposed establishing an AI hotline between the United States and China, focusing on national security and a notification system for common threats. The proposal was discussed during talks in New York between Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, ahead of a summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington this week.
The proposed AI hotline would serve as a mechanism for both countries to warn each other about serious AI incidents that could threaten national security. This initiative is part of broader efforts to establish a dialogue on AI between the two nations, which are increasingly competing in the development and regulation of advanced technologies.
US Treasury Secretary Bessent emphasized the importance of sharing information as threats evolve, stating that the US and China need to be able to communicate effectively. Scott Singer, co-director of the China AI Initiative at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, agreed, noting that the proposal seems like an obvious win for both sides.
Despite the proposed collaboration, the US remains committed to maintaining its technological edge over China. President Trump has resisted calls from technology executives to slow down AI development, arguing that the US must stay ahead in the AI race.
According to Stanford University’s 2026 AI Index Report, US companies invested $285.9 billion in AI in 2025, compared to $12.4 billion in China. While the US leads in several key areas of AI, China has been rapidly closing the gap.
China’s official Xinhua news agency acknowledged that He and Bessent discussed AI-related issues but did not confirm whether Beijing had accepted the proposed notification mechanism. The details of the proposed AI hotline remain limited, and it is unclear how the two countries will proceed with the initiative.
What this adds
The proposed AI hotline is a response to the escalating competition and restrictions on advanced technologies between the US and China.
What's still developing
- So, what do we know about this so-called hotline, and where is the AI battle between the US and China headed?