Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent said the United States should balance cooperation and competition with China on artificial intelligence as the two nations head into upcoming summits.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that Washington must adopt a "clear‑eyed" approach to artificial intelligence cooperation with China, balancing partnership opportunities with strategic competition as the two powers prepare for a series of high‑level summits.
Why AI is a focal point of U.S.–China relations
Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of economic growth, national security, and technological leadership. Both Washington and Beijing view AI as a critical driver of future prosperity, prompting frequent dialogue on standards, data sharing, and export controls.
Bessent’s call for measured cooperation
Speaking at a Treasury event, Bessent said the United States should "stay clear‑eyed" about the benefits of joint research while safeguarding sensitive technologies that could bolster China’s military capabilities. He emphasized that cooperation should be limited to non‑military domains and subject to robust oversight.
The Treasury chief also highlighted the need for coordinated policy with allies, noting that a unified front can help set global AI norms and prevent a fragmented regulatory landscape.
Key areas for selective engagement
- Joint research on climate‑focused AI applications
- Standards development for AI safety and transparency
- Cross‑border data‑flow frameworks that protect privacy
Bessent warned that sectors such as advanced chip design, autonomous weapons, and surveillance technologies remain off‑limits for collaboration, citing concerns over intellectual property theft and strategic advantage.
He added that upcoming summits—including the G20 and the U.S.–China Strategic and Economic Dialogue—will be crucial venues for testing these nuanced policies.
For ongoing coverage of AI policy and geopolitical dynamics, see AI on uxc.news.
Comments
No comments yet.