Sen. Bernie Sanders convened an unusual international meeting of scientists to confront the potential "existential threat" from artificial intelligence. He brushed aside criticism over inviting Chinese researchers, arguing that scientific cooperation should persist despite U.S.-China tech competition. Sanders cited President Trump’s planned May trip to China as an example of continued engagement and called for cross-border efforts to ensure AI is safe and aligned with human interests.
Sanders Hosts Rare U.S.-China Scientific Forum To Tackle AI's 'Existential Threat'
Progressive Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) is convening a rare Wednesday evening meeting that brings together leading scientists from the United States, China and other countries to discuss what he calls the "existential threat" posed by artificial intelligence.
Sanders dismissed criticism from some public figures and officials over the inclusion of Chinese researchers, arguing that scientific dialogue across borders is essential even amid geopolitical and technological competition.
"If President Trump can sit down with [Chinese] President Xi [Jinping], I think leading scientists in America can sit down with leading scientists in China to discuss how in fact we can work together,"
he told reporters, referencing President Trump’s planned May trip to China. Sanders said that U.S.-China tech rivalry should not preclude cooperative efforts to ensure AI develops in ways that are safe and aligned with human interests.
Why This Matters
The meeting stands out in Washington, where many conversations about artificial intelligence are framed as competitive or security-focused. Sanders and supporters of international engagement argue that scientists from different nations can exchange research, best practices and safety protocols to reduce global risks from advanced AI.
Critics worry about sharing sensitive research or expertise with geopolitical rivals; proponents counter that coordinated safety standards and transparency can make powerful AI systems less likely to pose catastrophic risks.
What To Watch: Whether participants agree on practical steps for collaboration, and how policymakers and industry players respond to any recommendations that emerge from the discussion.
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