Senate Democrats Press Trump to Block China's Access to AI Chips Ahead of Xi Talks

A group of Democratic senators called on President Donald Trump to use his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping to tighten restrictions on China's access to advanced American artificial intelligence technology, pressing for action on three bipartisan export-control bills.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, speaking at a news conference in Washington, said Trump faced a choice as he prepared to host Xi at the White House: stand up to the Chinese Communist Party and defend US national security, or give ground. Schumer said the president should act to block China's access to American AI chips and the manufacturing equipment used to produce them.

He pointed to three pieces of legislation that a bipartisan group of senators has introduced to update and strengthen export controls: the MATCH Act, the AI OVERWATCH Act and the Chips Security Act. According to Schumer, the Senate could pass all three immediately, and lawmakers in both chambers are working to include the measures in negotiations over the National Defense Authorization Act.

Senator Elizabeth Warren described the purpose of each bill. The AI OVERWATCH Act would prevent the most sensitive American technology from reaching China, the MATCH Act would stop the export of equipment needed to make advanced chips, and the Chips Security Act would require trackers on chips sent to third countries so their location and use can be monitored. Warren said the three proposals are bipartisan and enjoy widespread support among Democrats and Republicans in both the House and the Senate.

Senator Andy Kim, who worked with Republican Senator Pete Ricketts on the MATCH Act, said the bill would ensure China is not given the tools to manufacture its own high-end chips. He argued that China has historically undercut global competitors once it masters a technology, and said advanced chips will shape not only AI companies but also healthcare, medical research and biotechnology.

Senator Elissa Slotkin raised national security concerns, citing press reports that Chinese companies have provided detailed satellite information to Iran to help target American personnel and facilities. She said Trump has a responsibility as commander in chief to raise the issue with Xi and to establish clear red lines.

The news conference came a day before Trump and Xi, leaders of rival nations competing for dominance in artificial intelligence, were expected to meet. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said the two countries must engage at the highest levels because they are the world's two largest economies and probably its two most powerful militaries.