Officials from the Biden administration tempered expectations about the recent discussions in a call with reporters, clarifying that the focus wasn't on fostering technical collaboration between the two global powerhouses in AI or emerging technologies.

A high-ranking official from the administration acknowledged China's contentious utilization of AI systems for anti-democratic ends, highlighting concerns that Beijing's advanced AI technologies are undermining U.S. national security. Several recent reports from Microsoft and other sources have detailed China-linked cyberattacks leveraging AI to exacerbate social tensions within the United States.

Despite escalating tensions and strained relations between the U.S. and China, both nations have been establishing new avenues of communication concerning AI and its broader implications across vital sectors such as critical infrastructure, private industry, and human rights. Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping addressed AI, security matters, and Taiwan during an April phone call, marking a step toward reestablishing regular dialogue.

During the call, officials described the discussion as "frank and productive," marking the first direct exchange between the leaders since their summit in California back in November 2023.

Both Biden and Xi are not expected to participate in the upcoming AI discussions. Instead, senior White House officials and their Chinese counterparts will engage in dialogue to exchange perspectives on the risks associated with advanced AI systems, as well as each country's role in international AI governance.

In recent years, both the U.S. and China have been introducing AI regulations and government initiatives. The U.S. has garnered commitments from leading AI developers to ethically develop and deploy AI technologies, while China has signaled intentions to intensify AI regulation efforts throughout 2024.