US and China launch super-intelligence dialogue, urging ASEAN to secure a seat at the table

During the September summit, Donald Trump and Xi Jinping established a bilateral dialogue on “super intelligence” (SI) and a dedicated channel for handling serious SI incidents, scheduling the next summit for November 2026. The summit’s language framed the bilateral ties as a “constructive relationship of strategic stability,” indicating a willingness to cooperate on certain high-risk technologies while maintaining competition elsewhere.

The United States is using the broader term “super intelligence” in place of AI, a nuance noted by observers. The article cautions that ASEAN, which is attracting data-center and AI investments but lacks control over core computing infrastructure, may end up merely following rules set by the two powers. It recommends that ASEAN, especially Malaysia’s “quiescent diplomacy,” push for human oversight of autonomous systems, stronger cybersecurity standards, and data sovereignty, and leverage ASEAN-Plus-Three and the East Asia Summit to stay involved in shaping SI governance.