Trump administration faces internal discord over AI regulation as China accelerates governance efforts and US agrees to launch AI safety dialogue with Beijing

Ars Technica AI · May 22, 2026

AI Summary

•China's regulatory process for AI is accelerating significantly, with Beijing issuing a regulation in April requiring domestic AI firms to establish internal 'artificial intelligence ethics review committees' and the State Council outlining a legislative work plan for 2026 to improve AI governance.
•The Trump administration is divided on AI policy: the Commerce Department and Office of Science and Technology Policy favor a light-touch regulatory approach, while security-focused agencies like the Office of the National Cyber Director argue governance is needed now; tensions reportedly intensified after the abrupt end of Sacks' tenure as AI advisor.
•Trump agreed with China's president Xi Jinping to launch an intergovernmental dialogue on AI to mutually navigate emerging national security risks, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
•Vice President JD Vance said the administration is prioritizing 'protecting people's data' and 'people's privacy' after concerns about Mythos were raised.

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