Bessent says US can lead AI talks with China as Trump arrives in Beijing
Scott Bessent tells CNBC the United States is positioned to hold artificial intelligence discussions with Beijing, while President Donald Trump prepares for high-level talks with Xi Jinping.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the United States is in a position to hold artificial intelligence talks with China, asserting that Washington is currently 'in the lead' in the sector. The comments were made to CNBC as global nations move to establish safety protocols for the rapidly evolving technology. Bessent indicated that the US government holds confidence in its technological standing, allowing for diplomatic engagement on the issue despite broader geopolitical tensions.
The remarks coincide with the arrival of President Donald Trump in Beijing on 14 May 2026 for the first US-China presidential summit in nine years. The visit marks the first time an American president has travelled to China since 2017, ending a nearly decade-long hiatus in direct presidential interaction between the two superpowers. Trump was greeted by a troop parade and cheering children upon his arrival before proceeding to the capital for high-level discussions.
During the summit, President Xi Jinping reportedly told Trump that the United States and China are “partners not rivals”. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the visit, stating that China stands ready to work with the United States to expand cooperation and manage differences. Trump described the upcoming discussions as a “long talk” and noted that Xi had been “relatively good” on the topic of Iran.
Beyond the immediate summit agenda, Bessent indicated that President Trump is likely to comment on the Taiwan issue in the coming days. The exact timing and content of these potential comments remain unconfirmed, but the focus on cross-strait relations highlights the complex diplomatic landscape surrounding the visit. The specific details of the planned AI safety protocols being discussed by nations are not yet public.
In a separate development affecting financial institutions, the US Justice Department recently dropped a criminal probe of Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell. The matter was transferred to the Federal Reserve's Office of the Inspector General. This closure removes a potential obstacle for Kevin Warsh's confirmation process, though it is distinct from the diplomatic engagements occurring in Beijing.
