US-China talks need to be ‘institutionalised’ to ease tensions in AI era: Haass

Richard Haass, president emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations, called for the United States and China to establish regular, high-level diplomatic meetings to stabilize relations amid growing tensions in the artificial intelligence sector. Speaking at the annual Caixin Summit in Hong Kong via video call on Friday, Haass argued that such interactions should become routine rather than occasional events, emphasizing their role in preventing conflicts over strategic technologies. Haass described diplomacy as a critical tool for national security and foreign policy, stating that the US-China relationship requires institutionalization to maintain stability. His comments reflect broader concerns about escalating trade tensions and competition in emerging fields like AI and semiconductors, areas where both nations have significant stakes. The veteran diplomat, who previously served as director of policy planning at the US Department of State and a special envoy to Northern Ireland, highlighted the need for transparency and cooperation. He noted that his recent visit to China—his first since 2017—underscored the urgency of addressing these challenges to ease broader diplomatic strains. Haass’s remarks align with efforts to mitigate risks in technology-driven sectors, where export controls and geopolitical rivalries could disrupt global supply chains. The call for regularized dialogue comes as both countries seek to balance competition with the necessity of collaboration in fields critical to their economic and security interests.