US President Donald Trump described his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping as “very productive”, with artificial intelligence emerging as a key area for potential cooperation between the United States and China.
Trump said Xi appeared to support his preference for referring to artificial intelligence as “Super Intelligence”. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the two leaders had discussed AI and expressed optimism about the future of US-China ties.
The meeting took place at the White House on September 24 during Xi’s three-day state visit to the United States. It was the second meeting between Trump and Xi in less than six months.
Trump says Xi supports ‘Super Intelligence’ term
Trump said Xi appeared to favour his preferred terminology for AI, writing that the Chinese president “seemed to like” calling artificial intelligence “SUPER INTELLIGENCE”.
Trump had earlier said that “Super Intelligence” would be a major topic of discussion during the summit. Reuters reported that he had indicated before the meeting that he wanted to leave the existing AI position unchanged.
Xi calls for greater US-China cooperation on AI
Xi struck a more detailed note on AI cooperation during his talks with Trump.
According to China’s Foreign Ministry, Xi said the US and China both have strong AI capabilities and argued that competition between the two countries could be accompanied by greater cooperation.
He called for the two sides to draw on each other’s strengths rather than guard against one another. Xi also proposed continuing dialogue on AI, including discussions on its risks and benefits and joint efforts to prevent the misuse and abuse of AI.
Xi also stressed that AI should remain under human control and called for a people-centred approach to its development.
Trump similarly said AI concerns the future of humanity and that the US and China should maintain dialogue and strengthen cooperation on the technology, according to China’s Foreign Ministry readout of the meeting.
AI cooperation comes amid US-China competition
The discussion comes as Washington and Beijing continue to compete over AI capabilities, technology and strategic influence.
The two countries have also been discussing mechanisms for addressing AI safety incidents. Reuters reported earlier this week that US and Chinese officials were considering a formal AI dialogue, including a possible incident-reporting mechanism focused on AI safety.
The broader debate includes concerns over AI misuse, national security and the risks associated with increasingly capable systems. The two countries have sought cooperation on some safety issues while continuing to compete over advanced technology.
Trump-Xi meeting also covered trade and Taiwan
AI was one of several major issues discussed during the White House talks.
Trump and Xi also addressed trade and Taiwan, with Xi urging Washington to handle the Taiwan question cautiously and oppose “Taiwan independence”, according to China’s Foreign Ministry. The leaders also discussed the Middle East, the Ukraine crisis and the Korean Peninsula.
On trade, the two sides extended an existing truce for two months, according to Reuters, leaving several broader economic issues for further negotiations.
Xi to visit US National Archives
Following the White House meeting and state dinner, Xi was expected to visit the US National Archives in Washington, where he would see historical documents and artefacts connected with the country’s history.
Trump had said he wanted to show Xi some of the United States’ historic treasures and artefacts highlighting the relationship between the two countries. Reuters reported that the visit was intended to emphasise the historical dimension of US-China ties.
