Trump declares U.S. leads China in artificial intelligence race

President Donald Trump stated that the United States maintains a lead over China in artificial intelligence development.

Speaking in Ireland on Sept. 13, Trump labeled the technology "super intelligence" and argued that the nation with the strongest AI capability will prevail. "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," he said.

The two largest economies in the world have maintained a trade war across both of Trump's terms. While campaigning for the presidency, Trump identified tariffs as the central issue in the bilateral relationship.

During a state visit to Beijing in May, Trump described his working relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping as fantastic. "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. The U.S. leader highlighted "the tremendous strides" both nations had made regarding national security, trade, and technology.

At that summit, the leaders agreed to extend the trade truce until January. They did not reach an agreement on implementing safeguards for artificial intelligence. The two presidents are scheduled to meet again in China next month.