WASHINGTON — Vice President JD Vance is set to embark on a pivotal two-day trip to Paris next week for a summit dedicated to artificial intelligence, followed by participation in the annual Munich Security Conference in Germany. This marks Vance’s first official overseas journey since assuming office.
The AI Action Summit, scheduled for February 10-11, will convene world leaders, key government figures, CEOs, and other industry stakeholders amid rapid advancements in technology. Similarly, the Munich conference serves as a vital platform for discussions on global security, gaining added urgency in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and various geopolitical tensions.
The White House confirmed Vance’s attendance after remarks from a French official signaling his participation in the Paris summit. This trip represents his initial venture into international policy since taking on his role on January 20, as the Trump administration aims to reinstate an “America First” strategy.
This trip occurs as the administration deliberates on the continuation of U.S. security and economic aid for Ukraine, seeks to address the growing collaboration between Russia and Iran, and aims to manage a more assertive stance from China. All of this unfolds amidst a protectionist economic policy that risks imposing tariffs on both allies and adversaries.
Among the notable attendees expected at the summit is China’s Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang. The event will be co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, taking place at the Grand Palais—previously used for Olympic fencing and taekwondo events. Additionally, a dinner featuring high-ranking officials and CEOs is planned at the Elysee presidential palace.
Vance’s upcoming trip follows President Trump’s recent promotion of a collaborative venture intended to invest up to $500 billion into infrastructure associated with AI, stemming from a partnership between OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank. The new venture, dubbed Stargate, will initiate the construction of data centers and accompanying energy resources in Texas to support the advancing field of artificial intelligence, as conveyed by the White House.
In related developments, the rise of the Chinese AI model DeepSeek is causing disruptions within the tech industry, enabling businesses to access AI technology at significantly lower costs and creating competitive pressure on existing AI firms to enhance their offerings and reduce pricing.
In past discussions, Vance has acknowledged the potentially detrimental applications of AI. However, during a Senate hearing in July, he expressed concerns that the rising apprehension might lead to “preemptive overregulation,” which could ultimately disadvantage emerging technology companies and solidify the dominance of established players in the sector.
