Leaders from the United States and China are set to meet this week amid escalating global concerns over the rapid development and potential risks of artificial intelligence (AI). The scheduled discussions come as both countries vie for dominance in AI technology, heightening tensions but also prompting calls for cooperation on safety measures.

Ahead of the meeting, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng engaged in talks in New York, where they reportedly discussed establishing a mechanism for ongoing dialogue on AI risks. Bessent described a proposed “notification mechanism” intended to facilitate communication between the two countries about AI incidents that could affect national security. Experts suggest such a mechanism could include sharing information on AI-enabled cyberattacks, misuse of biological research, system failures, or loss of human control, which pose risks to both nations. Chinese scholars have signaled openness to collaboration on these fronts, emphasizing that concerns about AI safety should not be overshadowed by broader geopolitical rivalry.

However, the competitive nature of U.S.-China relations complicates prospects for cooperation. The U.S. government continues to restrict China’s access to advanced semiconductor technologies essential for developing powerful AI models, citing national security concerns. Beijing criticizes these measures as attempts to maintain an American monopoly over AI innovation. Despite these restrictions, Chinese AI companies have developed models that rival U.S. counterparts in capability and are gaining international market share, benefiting from growing domestic chip production and investment.

Intellectual property disputes further complicate matters. U.S. firms have accused several Chinese AI developers of appropriating proprietary technologies and relying on U.S.-based infrastructure to enhance their products. Chinese officials and analysts dispute these allegations, describing such practices as common within the fast-evolving AI industry and stressing their own advances in innovation.

The rivalry between the two countries raises broader questions about international governance of AI. While the United States and China dominate AI development, other global actors and institutions, including the United Nations, are seeking to assert influence over AI safety standards and ethical frameworks. At the UN General Assembly this week, discussions are scheduled on the risks and opportunities presented by AI, with an emphasis on international coordination. However, analysts note that the U.N.’s role has been sidelined amid the technology race between the two powers. The United States and China did not join a recent declaration by 22 countries calling for stronger human oversight and control of AI systems.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has highlighted AI as one of several existential risks alongside climate change and global inequality. He called for shared understanding and stronger safeguards to prevent a “race to the bottom” on AI safety standards. Despite these calls, geopolitical divisions and divergent national priorities continue to hinder unified global action.

The upcoming meetings between President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are expected to address these challenges, yet experts remain skeptical about the likelihood of significant breakthroughs. The combination of strategic competition, technological rivalry, and concerns over national security creates a complex environment for collaboration. Meanwhile, the broader international community watches closely, aware that the future of AI governance may hinge on how the two largest AI powers navigate this critical juncture.