Bessent Says US, China to Set Up AI Incident Hotline, Hold Shenzhen Talks in Two Months

The US and China plan to set up a dedicated communication channel for responding to artificial intelligence-related incidents and hold additional talks in Shenzhen in about two months.

Walter Bloomberg, an overseas markets news account, reported on September 21 that US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC the two countries would open a hotline for AI-related incidents. He added that the US and China would meet again in Shenzhen in about two months to discuss AI issues.

Bessent said he recently discussed tariffs, economic issues and AI with Chinese officials. In earlier high-level talks with China, the US had proposed a system under which the two sides would notify each other in the event of a major AI incident.

The talks came ahead of a summit scheduled for later this week between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Bessent also said Trump and Xi could meet two more times after that summit. Trade and AI are set to be among the main agenda items at the US-China leaders' meeting.

Separately, Bessent said he could not say how long any conflict with Iran would last. On AI safety, he said research institutes and companies involved should also take responsibility.