U.S. President Donald Trump is set to host Chinese President Xi Jinping for a state visit this week, with rare earths and AI safety emerging as central topics. Chinese exports of rare earths to the U.S. fell 13% year-on-year in August, according to customs data, while shipments dropped 2,000% compared to July. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has acknowledged the decline, though the exact figures remain unclear. The U.S. is seeking to reduce its reliance on China for these critical minerals, which are essential for advanced technologies, including semiconductors and AI hardware.

The summit also addresses AI safety, with Trump’s administration facing pressure to slow AI development amid public concerns about its risks. A Politico poll found 63% of respondents believe AI could wipe out humanity, while a CBS News/YouGov survey showed most Americans want AI development slowed. However, Trump’s supporters are more inclined to prioritize staying ahead of China in the AI race. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned that a Chinese lead in AI could pose a grave danger, framing the issue as a matter of national security.

The Trump administration is exploring ways to address AI safety without constraining American innovation. Anthropic CEO Daniel Amodei has suggested coordinating with authoritarian governments, including China, to establish safety standards. However, China’s Foreign Ministry has warned that such efforts could lead to confrontation and disrupt global AI governance. China’s Commerce Ministry has also threatened countermeasures if the U.S. uses accusations of model distillation to restrict Chinese firms.

Despite these tensions, there is potential for cooperation. Amodei proposed a standing China-U.S. AI dialogue to flag incidents that threaten national security. However, U.S. Trade Representative Greer has stated that chip export controls are not part of the AI safety mechanism discussions. This separation may be seen by Beijing as an attempt to link AI safety with trade disputes, potentially undermining the dialogue.

The summit’s success will depend on whether both sides can find common ground. While the U.S. seeks to reduce its reliance on China for critical minerals and address AI safety concerns, China remains dominant in processing these materials and has its own vision for global AI governance. The outcome of the summit could shape the future of U.S.-China relations in the technology sector.