Trump and Xi to Discuss AI as China Accelerates a Unified Strategy

When Donald Trump meets Xi Jinping on September 24, artificial intelligence will dominate the agenda, reflecting China’s sweeping domestic mobilization behind a single AI strategy. Beijing has recently inaugurated the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization in Shanghai and announced extensive training commitments for poorer countries, while also hosting the World AI Conference and preparing an AI-focused APEC meeting in Shenzhen.

Critics say a Beijing-driven international AI framework would codify standards favoring the Chinese Communist Party’s approach to surveillance and control. In contrast, the United States has no unified national plan, with 1,800 AI-related bills introduced this year and numerous state-level data-center restrictions. The authors urge Trump to reject endorsing a Beijing-led governance body, maintain export controls, and push Congress to codify the White House’s American AI Action Plan while accelerating infrastructure permitting reforms.