A bipartisan pair of California lawmakers wants structured channels for American government officials and AI experts to engage directly with Chinese counterparts on technology governance
Two California congressmen from opposite sides of the aisle are pushing for a formal framework governing how the US engages with China on artificial intelligence. Reps. Sam Liccardo, a Democrat representing Silicon Valley, and Kevin Kiley, a Republican, want to create structured channels for government officials and AI experts to talk shop with their Chinese counterparts on one of the most consequential technology races of the century.
What the framework would do #
The bipartisan effort aims to establish a structured process for US government representatives and AI experts to engage with China on technology policy. While the legislative specifics are still taking shape, the intent is clear: replace ad hoc conversations with something more durable and systematic.
Liccardo has warned that China’s advances in artificial intelligence could allow Beijing to set global standards for the next century. In June 2026, Liccardo introduced the SKILL Act, legislation that would funnel up to $500 million annually in tax credits toward AI education programs at community colleges and universities.
Kiley has focused on intellectual property implications of rapid AI development, including the question of whether AI-generated inventions should be eligible for patent protection.
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A crowded field of AI diplomacy #
US and Chinese officials have already been talking at the executive level about bilateral AI dialogue mechanisms. In September 2026, the two sides discussed frameworks for managing AI-related risks, including the establishment of crisis notification systems ahead of high-level summits.
In mid-September 2026, a group of Democratic lawmakers sent letters advocating for continued US-China AI talks focused on safety standards and researcher exchanges.
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