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US‑China to open AI safety talks, Treasury Sec. Bessent says

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U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that Washington and Beijing will soon open talks on artificial‑intelligence safety. The announcement came during a welcome ceremony for former President Trump in Beijing. Neither side has set a timetable, but both governments view AI as a strategic threat that could reshape global power dynamics for investors and tech.

The move follows growing concerns in both economies that unchecked AI development could fuel cyber‑attacks, economic disruption, and geopolitical rivalry. Analysts say that formal talks could set export controls or joint safety standards, potentially reshaping supply chains for silicon chips and cloud services. The U.S. has already tightened rules on high‑performance computing for tech companies today.

Industry leaders warn that without a shared framework, firms may face uneven regulation, driving them to relocate production or research to less restrictive jurisdictions. The announcement could influence stock valuations of AI‑driven firms, as investors weigh the risk of sudden policy shifts. Companies already lobbying for clearer guidelines may see their market positions strengthen today.

Bessent declined to give a date, but officials say discussions will address both safety protocols and export controls. The U.S. and China will likely weigh the economic impact of AI on manufacturing, finance, and national security. For investors, the outcome could dictate which markets receive new AI subsidies or face tighter scrutiny today.