Donald Trump and Xi Jinping are due to meet in Washington, with artificial intelligence expected to be a major topic. Although their discussions show that AI risks are receiving high-level political attention, both leaders appear opposed to slowing development, viewing continued progress as essential to maintaining national advantage. This makes a major international agreement on restricting AI unlikely, despite growing fears about its potential dangers.

The US argues that China is a strategic threat and that whoever leads in AI will gain decisive power, while China sees calls for a pause as an attempt to protect America’s existing lead. Both countries nevertheless recognise risks involving autonomous agents, cybersecurity and self-improving systems. US and Chinese officials have discussed creating an international alert or notification system for serious AI incidents, but political rivalry, limited support for regulation in Washington and resistance to a development pause make broader controls improbable.