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US President Donald Trump has firmly ruled out any form of joint venture with China in the field of artificial intelligence, arguing that such cooperation would amount to handing over valuable American secrets to the country's primary economic competitor. Speaking at an event in Washington on Tuesday, Trump made clear that he views AI as a domain where the United States must maintain a decisive edge rather than share its advantages.
The president's remarks came during the launch of America.gov, a newly unveiled AI-powered web portal designed to streamline how citizens access government services. The event served as a platform for Trump to reiterate his longstanding position that the US is far ahead in the AI race and that any collaboration with Beijing would erode that advantage.
"If we do that, we're going to be giving a lot of secrets that we have that they [China] would want to have, or anybody else," Trump said, explaining his opposition to a joint venture. He added that the competition in AI is essentially a two-horse race, stating, "Frankly, there is nobody in third place...it's all between us and China."
The president's comments follow a significant diplomatic development. Last week, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the White House, after which both Beijing and Washington announced the launch of a new AI dialogue. Further talks between the two sides are scheduled for November. The two countries also established a new communications channel aimed at preventing misunderstandings during AI-related incidents.
Despite these diplomatic overtures, Trump remains steadfast in his opposition to any sort of joint cooperation on developing the technology. He noted that AI was discussed during his meeting with Xi but indicated that his position had not shifted. "Then they're going to be able to immediately gain access to things that we know that they don't know," he said, referring to the potential consequences of collaboration. "We're leading now over China and everyone else, and I want to keep it that way."
The president's stance reflects a broader technological rivalry that has come to define US-China relations in recent years. Both nations have invested heavily in AI research and development, viewing leadership in the sector as critical to economic competitiveness, national security, and global influence. The establishment of a dialogue channel suggests a willingness to manage tensions, but Trump's remarks underscore the limits of that cooperation.
Prior to Trump's meeting with Xi, China's foreign ministry issued a warning about the tone of the discourse surrounding AI. The ministry argued that "narratives of threat" and confrontation hinder effective AI governance, suggesting that Beijing prefers a more collaborative international framework. The US president's latest comments, however, indicate that his administration is not inclined toward that vision.
Domestically, Trump faces increasing public concern over the potential dangers of artificial intelligence and growing calls for additional safeguards. A recent poll published by Politico in late September found that two out of every three Americans believe there is at least a "moderate" risk that AI could destroy humanity. The survey highlighted significant anxiety about the rapid pace of development and the lack of regulatory guardrails.
The poll also revealed that a substantial portion of Trump's own supporters—44%—said they would prefer if AI development could be paused. This figure suggests that concerns about AI safety cross political lines and that the president's base is not immune to fears about the technology's unchecked growth.
Trump, however, has repeatedly dismissed safety concerns, referring to them as a "hoax" and comparing them to the "global warming scam" that he claims is "being perpetrated by radical left Dumocrats." His administration has consistently favored a deregulatory approach, arguing that restrictions would stifle innovation and cede America's competitive edge to rivals like China.
The launch of America.gov, an AI-powered portal for government services, illustrates the administration's embrace of the technology in practical applications. The platform is intended to make it easier for citizens to interact with federal agencies, using AI to streamline processes and improve efficiency. Trump used the event to showcase his belief that AI can be a force for positive change when developed without what he views as excessive constraints.
The president's position places him at odds with a growing global movement calling for stronger AI governance. International bodies and many domestic policymakers have urged caution, pointing to risks ranging from disinformation and job displacement to potential existential threats. Critics argue that the US risks falling behind in establishing ethical standards if it prioritizes speed over safety.
The announcement of a new AI dialogue with China, coupled with the creation of a communications channel, suggests that both nations recognize the need for some level of engagement. The November talks are expected to address a range of issues, though it remains unclear how substantive they will be given Trump's firm opposition to joint development.
Analysts note that the distinction between cooperation and competition in AI is often blurred. While the US and China may engage in dialogue to prevent misunderstandings, the underlying dynamic remains one of strategic rivalry. Trump's comments make clear that he views any sharing of technology or expertise as a one-way street that benefits China at America's expense.
The president's rhetoric also plays to domestic political considerations. By casting AI as a contest between the US and China, he frames his deregulatory approach as a matter of national pride and economic necessity. This narrative resonates with supporters who view China as a systemic rival and who are skeptical of international cooperation.
However, the gap between Trump's enthusiasm for AI and public sentiment cannot be ignored. The Politico poll indicates that a significant share of Americans, including many of his own voters, harbor deep reservations. If these concerns continue to grow, the president may face pressure to address safety issues more directly, even as he resists calls for regulation.
For now, Trump appears committed to his course. His remarks at the America.gov launch signal that his administration will continue to prioritize speed and competitiveness over precaution. Whether that approach yields the promised benefits or exposes the US to unforeseen risks remains a central question in the unfolding AI era.
The new communication channel with China may help reduce the chances of accidental escalation in AI-related incidents, but it does little to bridge the fundamental divide over how the technology should be governed. Trump's insistence on keeping secrets and maintaining a lead suggests that the US-China AI relationship will remain defined by rivalry rather than collaboration.
As the November talks approach, the world will be watching to see whether dialogue can produce any meaningful outcomes or whether the two powers are destined to pursue parallel and increasingly competitive paths. Trump's latest comments leave little doubt about which direction he prefers.
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