A global AI safety strategy depends on U.S.-China cooperation. They each see the other as the problem

The U.S. and China remain deeply skeptical of each other's AI strategies. Trump has pushed back on calls for stronger U.S. AI regulation, claiming it would allow China to gain an advantage. He stated on social media that the U.S. is leading China and all others. This creates a challenging backdrop for any meaningful agreement on AI safety between the two superpowers.

China's strategy of open-source, affordable AI models is gaining traction even with U.S. companies. This contrasts with mostly closed-source American frontier models. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the U.S. needs more open-source models to counter China. This competition will likely intensify across Asia, with Chinese models expanding their regional footprint, particularly in markets seeking cost-effective solutions.

The real test for cooperation will be whether Trump and Xi can acknowledge shared AI risks, as suggested by Samm Sacks. A formal agreement is unlikely. However, creating political space for dialogue is a necessary first step. This could influence how Asian regulators approach their own AI safety frameworks, potentially leading to more fragmented regional standards if U.S.-China alignment remains elusive.