‘AI 종말론’ 뒤편…‘인공지능 영토’ 미-중 패권 다툼

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese State Councilor Xi Jinping held a state dinner at the White House on the 24th (local time). Trump presented security and technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), as key topics for the meeting, while Xi emphasized that the U.S. and China must choose cooperation over competition and collaborate to ensure AI remains under human control.

Trump announced in his White House welcome speech that they would discuss urgent issues related to AI and security and technology during the state dinner. He stated that decisions made in this field could promote peace and prosperity for decades to come.

Xi reiterated at the welcome speech that cooperation between China and the U.S. benefits both parties, while competition harms both. He stressed that both nations must manage their differences while expanding common interests, particularly in the context of AI development. The two sides also agreed to maintain regular military dialogue.

The remarks of both leaders indicate a desire to explore a limited cooperative space in the field of AI safety and crisis management, even amid a fierce competition for advanced technologies. State Secretary Scott Brentt announced that the U.S. had proposed a new system for notifying each other of AI-related incidents. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also confirmed that it was the first time the two countries had held an AI dialogue.

The talks also covered economic and trade issues. Trump highlighted the progress made since Trump's visit to Beijing in May, citing new market access opportunities for U.S. farmers and ranchers. He noted that the U.S. and China have yet to reach an agreement on several points, including agricultural purchases from the U.S., antimony exports, and controls on advanced semiconductors.

Tensions also remain high over Taiwan and Iran. China has demanded that the U.S. stop selling weapons to Taiwan, while the U.S. wants China to curb its economic influence in Iran.

According to AFP, the meeting will discuss AI, trade, as well as Taiwan and Iran issues. Trump emphasized the personal friendship he and Xi have built since Trump's election in 2016, noting they have met several times in Germany, Argentina, Japan, South Korea, Beijing, and Florida. This visit marks the first state dinner between the two leaders.

Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan arrived at the White House in the morning, followed by a guard of honor consisting of 479 U.S. military personnel, along with a flypast of a B-2 Spirit strategic bomber and four F-22 Raptors. After the welcome ceremony, they held a state dinner and expanded talks. Later that evening, they will attend a banquet in the East Room for Xi's wife, followed by a visit to the National Archives on the 25th to view the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.