Exclusive: U.S. and China could agree on AI guidelines, says Hicks

Driving the news: Hicks spoke Monday at an Axios defense event kicking off the AI+DC Summit in Washington.

What they're saying: "What we did in our administration was pursued, obviously, bilateral talks with them," Hicks said. "Because AI is at this place where there's real competition, there's opportunity in that, to set some rules. I think they may be more inclined to do so."

• "There are UN and other venues where there are ongoing conversations the U.S. has been very active in that the Chinese could come forward to."

Friction point: Agreement between Washington and Beijing is rare.

• The latter has resisted arms control talks in the past.

Zoom out: More than 50 states endorsed the Political Declaration on Responsible Military Use of AI and Autonomy, rolled out in 2023 at The Hague.

Go deeper: Senator pitches Chinese AI questions in Hegseth letter