US President Donald Trump has rejected calls for closer cooperation with China on artificial intelligence (AI) safety, saying the United States must protect its technological advantage.
Speaking at a White House event on Tuesday, Trump also announced a voluntary AI safety agreement signed by six major American technology companies. The agreement focuses on improving safeguards for advanced AI systems, including those with potential superintelligence capabilities.
Trump Says US Must Protect Its AI Leadership
Trump argued that sharing AI technology with China could weaken America’s position in the global technology race.
“Whoever wins superintelligence wins. You’re gonna have a winner and a loser, and you’re probably not gonna have a second place,” Trump said during the event.
He also claimed that the US is currently ahead of China and other countries in AI development.
“We’re leading now over China and everyone else, and I want to keep it that way,” Trump said.
Trump opposed a joint AI venture with Beijing, arguing that such cooperation could involve sharing sensitive American technology.
His comments come amid growing concerns about advanced AI systems being misused for cyberattacks and biological weapons development.
Six Major Tech Companies Sign AI Safety Accord
The White House Accord on Super Intelligence was signed by Google, Nvidia, Anthropic, OpenAI, Meta Platforms and SpaceXAI.
Trump published a two-page document outlining the agreement on Truth Social and described it as “morally binding.”
The voluntary agreement requires participating companies to introduce multiple safety controls and internal audits.
Companies are expected to develop safeguards against AI models carrying out unintended hacking activities. They will also work with independent auditors to evaluate whether their safety systems are functioning properly.
The agreement includes regular discussions between companies about AI safety practices, although it does not specify meeting schedules.
US and China Continue AI Risk Discussions
Despite Trump’s opposition to sharing AI technology, the US and China recently agreed to establish an AI incident notification hotline and continue discussions about potential risks.
The next round of talks is reportedly scheduled for November in Shenzhen.
Trump also signed an executive order directing federal agencies to use the term “superintelligence,” or SI, instead of AI in official communications.
Meanwhile, public concerns about AI infrastructure continue to grow. A New York Times-Siena University poll found that 61% of likely voters opposed building data centres to support AI.
The developments highlight the growing focus on AI leadership, safety regulations and international technology competition.
