President Donald Trump will hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on artificial intelligence when Xi visits the United States on September 24, according to a White House announcement. The meeting comes as both nations jockey for leadership in the rapidly advancing field, and as trade tensions between the world's two largest economies show no sign of easing.
September 24 meeting confirmed
The date is set. Xi will be in the U.S. on September 24, and AI will be a central topic. The White House confirmed the discussion but offered no details on format or duration. Trump and Xi have met several times before, but this will be their first face-to-face since the latest round of tariff negotiations stalled. The AI conversation is expected to cover everything from research collaboration to export controls.
China has made AI a national priority, pouring billions into development. The U.S. has responded with restrictions on chip sales and investment. A direct leader-level talk could reset the tone — or deepen the divide.
93% probability of a pre-2027 visit
Xi's trip to the U.S. before 2027 was already considered likely. A prediction puts the chance at 93%. That forecast, made before the September date was set, now looks conservative. The visit itself is a rare in-person summit between the two leaders, who have relied heavily on video calls and envoys in recent years.
The high probability reflects a broader expectation that both sides need a channel to manage competition. Even as they clash on trade, technology, and Taiwan, direct talks remain a tool neither wants to abandon.
What the AI discussion could cover
Neither side has released a detailed agenda. But the AI conversation is likely to touch on safety standards, data flows, and the military applications of machine learning. The U.S. has warned that China's AI advances could threaten national security. China has accused the U.S. of trying to block its technological rise.
A joint statement on AI governance is possible, though not guaranteed. Previous summits have produced broad pledges on climate and nuclear nonproliferation. AI is a newer, more sensitive area. Any agreement would be closely watched by tech companies and defense officials alike.
The two leaders are set to meet on September 24. Whether they can find common ground on AI — or any other issue — remains an open question.
