China and the United States have agreed to launch official intergovernmental dialogue on artificial intelligence (AI), Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said at a press briefing in Beijing on Monday.
Guo made the remarks in response to a question about reports that the Chinese and U.S. presidents discussed AI regulation during their recent talks in Beijing and agreed to launch dialogue and cooperation on the issue.
"As two leading AI powers, China and the United States need to work together to promote the development and improve the governance of AI to make sure that it will better contribute to the progress of human civilization and the common welfare of the international community," said Guo.
"During President Trump's recent visit to China, the two heads of state had constructive exchanges on AI and agreed to hold dialogue between the two governments on this issue," said the spokesman.
China, U.S. agree on intergovernmental dialogue on AI: spokesman
The European Union is facing the risk of a stagflationary shock as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is driving up energy prices and clouding the economic outlook, European Commissioner for Economy Valdis Dombrovskis said on Monday.
The European Commission's spring 2026 economic forecast, to be released later this week, will see economic growth figures adjusted down and inflation figures up, said Dombrovskis during an interview while attending a meeting of finance ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) in Paris.
With the Strait of Hormuz closed and oil prices staying above 100 U.S. dollars per barrel, fears of stagflation have risen in recent weeks, said Dombrovskis, adding that the margin of action by policymakers is "more limited" now.
The commissioner said it's important that the bloc take temporary, targeted support measures rather than measures that sustain high demand for fossil fuels.
Dombrovskis also described the EU's release of strategic oil reserves as "ongoing," while warning of concerns about shortages in areas such as innovative fuels.
The International Energy Agency Executive Director, Fatih Birol, said on Monday that commercial oil stocks are declining "rapidly", with several weeks of supply left due to the consequences of the conflict in the Middle East.
Europe could face fuel shortages by the end of this month.
EU at risk of stagflation amid Middle East conflict: commissioner
