China and the United States agreed to establish a new communication channel for handling artificial intelligence-related incidents and to accelerate work on military crisis communications following a three-day summit in Washington. Both sides also committed to continuing efforts on a pledge to reduce reciprocal tariffs on approximately $30 billion worth of goods, according to statements released Saturday.
The summit, which included Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump, resulted in the formation of working groups aimed at preventing escalation of conflicts. China’s Foreign Ministry confirmed a memorandum of understanding was signed to strengthen crisis communications between the two militaries. The agreement includes setting up a communication mechanism specifically for AI-related incidents, with a dedicated AI dialogue scheduled for November.
The new AI safety channel marks a rare step toward cooperation amid ongoing tensions between the two countries, particularly after a trade war that affected global markets. Experts view the working groups as a platform to manage risks associated with AI developments and to maintain stability. The tariff discussions build on previous pledges to ease trade barriers, potentially impacting sectors reliant on bilateral commerce.
Chinese President Xi Jinping returned to Beijing on Saturday following the summit. The White House noted that the Board of Trade on selected bilateral trade issues began operations this week, underscoring ongoing engagement between the two nations despite limited breakthroughs at the summit.