Trump says US will beat China in AI as technology emerges

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - Artificial intelligence has emerged as the critical sticking point between the U.S. and China. President Donald Trump, who has named it “super intelligence,” insists the U.S. will beat China in the AI competition.

Trump said while campaigning for president that tariffs would form the crux of the bilateral relationship. The U.S. and China, the world’s two largest economies, have been engaged in a trade war during both of Trump’s terms.

Speaking Sept. 13 in Ireland, Trump said the U.S. is leading China in AI.

“We’re leading China in AI, we’re the most sophisticated country in the world, and frankly, I want to keep it that way because whoever wins AI, wins,” Trump said.

During a state visit to Beijing in May, Trump praised Chinese President Xi Jinping.

“And it’s to me an honor. We’ve had a fantastic relationship. We’ve gotten along. When they were difficulties, we worked it out,” Trump said.

Trump hosted Xi at the White House in September for a state visit. He touted what he called “the tremendous strides” he and Xi had already made on national security, trade and technology.

At the summit, the U.S. and China agreed to extend a trade truce until January. No agreement was reached on implementing safeguards for AI.

Trump and Xi are set to meet again in China next month.