China and US Establish AI Safety Channel and Extend Trade Truce

After a three-day summit in the United States, Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump announced agreements to establish a communication channel for artificial intelligence safety incidents and to reduce tariffs on approximately $30 billion in non-sensitive goods. The leaders also committed to enhancing coordination between their respective militaries.

The accord effectively extends the “trade truce” initially agreed upon during the October summit in Busan. That temporary arrangement, which saw Beijing suspend controls on rare earth exports and Washington roll back certain tariffs, was scheduled to expire on November 10. According to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the deal will now remain in effect until January.

On Saturday, following Xi’s return to Beijing, China confirmed the mutual tariff reductions apply to “non-essential” items, including agricultural products and holiday decorations. A Chinese Foreign Ministry statement highlighted that both nations would expand dialogue on AI safety, noting the need for exchanges in light of continuous technological development. A subsequent round of AI-focused talks is planned for November.

Beijing also stated that the two nations would accelerate work on military crisis communication mechanisms, though specific details were not provided. The White House reported that the discussion addressed US concerns regarding rare earth supply chains, with the aim of restoring shipment levels. Additionally, China agreed to import at least 10 million metric tons of US coal in 2027 and 2028.

The summit also touched upon the conflict in Iran, which Donald Trump confirmed was part of the agenda. While no major breakthroughs were reported on the broader conflict, the Chinese Foreign Ministry noted that both sides agreed Iran should not possess nuclear weapons and that no country should impose transit tolls on international waterways, a reference to the Strait of Hormuz.

Describing the summit online as one of “Friendship, Strength, and Success,” Trump’s tone was more celebratory than Xi’s. The Chinese President adopted a more restrained stance, emphasizing the need for “strategic stability on the basis of respect, fairness, and reciprocity.”

The two leaders are expected to meet two more times before the year concludes. Trump is anticipated to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in China in November, while Xi is scheduled to visit the United States again in December for a G20 summit hosted at Trump’s National Doral Miami golf club.