Bessent: US Proposes AI Alert System With China
U.S. officials reported that their recent meeting with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng was “successful” ahead of President Donald Trump’s summit with President Xi Jinping in Washington, the Treasury Department said on Sunday.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed the conversation took place earlier in the week, noting that the talks helped the two sides prepare for the high‑stakes meeting slated for Washington. “We had constructive discussions with Vice Premier He,” Bessent said, adding that the exchanges were “successful.” He did not elaborate on the topics covered, but the comment comes at a time when the U.S. and China are working to ease tensions over trade, technology, and regional security.
The summit, scheduled for next week, is part of President Trump’s broader effort to reset relations with Beijing. Vice Premier He is one of the most senior Chinese officials in Washington and the deputy to Premier Li Qiang, while President Xi will meet Trump in the White House for a three‑day dialogue. The Treasury Department’s statement was the first official word about the U.S. side’s outreach to Beijing.
Bessent’s remarks come after months of diplomatic activity aimed at addressing concerns about intellectual property theft, trade deficits, and cyber‑security. The U.S. has repeatedly urged China to reform its economic practices, while Beijing has pushed back against what it sees as unfair pressure from Washington.
The Washington summit is expected to address a range of issues, from trade and tariffs to climate change and North Korea. While the exact agenda remains confidential, officials on both sides have emphasized the need for constructive engagement.
The Treasury Secretary’s statement signals that U.S. officials are moving ahead with preparations and that the dialogue with Vice Premier He has been encouraging, according to Bessent. Whether that momentum will translate into substantive policy changes remains to be seen, but the two nations appear to be working toward a more predictable and stable relationship.
