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Trump-Xi Talks Put AI and Chips at Center
Donald Trump and Xi Jinping are expected to discuss technology when they meet in Washington.
Artificial intelligence is important because it can affect businesses, defense, cybersecurity, finance and important infrastructure.
The United States wants to stay ahead in powerful AI systems and computer equipment.
China wants to build more of its own technology and rely less on the United States.
Special computer chips are needed to create the most advanced AI systems.
The United States has limited China’s access to some advanced chips since 2022.
The United States has nevertheless allowed limited sales of Nvidia H200 chips to China.
Both countries are also considering a way to warn each other about serious AI problems and reduce the risk of a larger crisis.
Artificial intelligence is expected to be a central issue when Donald Trump and Xi Jinping meet in Washington in 2026.
The United States wants to preserve its lead in advanced AI and the computing infrastructure needed to develop it.
China is pursuing greater technological self-sufficiency and seeking to reduce its dependence on American technology.
U.S. restrictions on advanced semiconductor exports to China have been a major source of tension since 2022.
The Trump administration has allowed limited sales of Nvidia H200 chips to China while the two countries discuss possible AI safety communications.
- Who
- U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, with discussions also involving U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng.
- What
- A technology-focused aspect of the planned Trump-Xi meeting, involving artificial intelligence, advanced semiconductors, export controls and AI safety cooperation.
- Where
- Washington, United States.
- When
- The meeting is expected in 2026; the article does not provide a specific date.
- Why
- The United States and China are competing for leadership in AI and advanced technology while remaining economically and technologically interconnected.
United States
China
Advanced chip access
United States
The United States views controls on the most powerful computing technology as part of an effort to preserve its technological and national-security advantage.
China
China seeks access to advanced chips because they could accelerate its AI development and reduce its technological dependence.
Technology strategy
United States
Washington wants to maintain leadership in advanced AI systems and the computing infrastructure required to train them.
China
Beijing is pursuing technological self-sufficiency and trying to reduce reliance on American technology.
AI safety cooperation
United States
The United States has discussed a communication mechanism to address major AI incidents, transparency and national-security risks.
China
China has also discussed the possible bilateral mechanism, even as it competes with the United States in AI and technology.
Key facts
- Central issue
- Competition over artificial intelligence and advanced technology leadership.
- Key technology
- Semiconductors, especially high-end chips used to power advanced AI.
- U.S. policy
- The United States has restricted China’s access to certain advanced semiconductor technologies since 2022.
- Recent development
- The Trump administration has permitted limited sales of Nvidia H200 chips to China.
- China’s objective
- Greater technological self-sufficiency and reduced dependence on American technology.
- Potential cooperation
- A bilateral mechanism for notifying each other about major AI-related incidents has been discussed.
- Safety concerns
- The proposed mechanism could address national security, transparency and significant AI incidents.
Sources
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