China, US to open AI ‘communication channel’ after summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump agreed to establish a bilateral communication channel for addressing artificial intelligence incidents following a summit in Washington, according to the White House on Friday. This announcement came after a summit that was notable more for its formality than substantive breakthroughs.

The two leaders discussed various topics, including AI, trade, and the ongoing conflict in Iran. They confirmed plans to meet again this year at international summits in China and the US. While Donald Trump has previously expressed concerns about potential threats posed by AI, Xi Jinping approached the technology with a more cautious perspective, emphasizing the need for human oversight.

Other agreements reached during the visit included China committing to import at least 10 million metric tonnes of coal from the US in 2027 and 2028, as well as favorable tariff treatment for non-sensitive US goods valued at $30 billion. Additionally, two Chinese pandas were set to arrive at a US zoo. Despite the grand gestures and pageantry surrounding the visit, both sides emphasized that the summit helped reduce tensions between the two global powers.

President Trump referred to the meeting as a "friendship, strength, and success" for both countries. The trip featured a range of activities, from a state banquet attended by US tech executives and military parades to a tour of the White House's new facilities.