- The US is preparing to tell dozens of countries they must pick sides in the artificial intelligence (AI) race with China, warning they will be excluded from a US-led AI coalition if they also sign up for Beijing's competing framework, according to a US official and an internal draft reviewed by Reuters.
- Washington last year launched the Pax Silica initiative aimed at securing supply chains for AI models, semiconductors and critical minerals, amid a fierce technology rivalry with Beijing.
- In June, the US touted Kazakhstan as the first Central Asian country to join Pax Silica, bringing significant reserves of critical minerals that fuel advanced technologies.
- In July, Chinese President Xi Jinping launched a rival World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, promoting his country's open-weight technology as a challenge to US influence over the fast-moving sector.
- The draft letter, prepared by the State Department, is addressed to the 35 signatories of a US "AI Opportunity Statement" signed in June, which includes members of the non-binding Pax Silica framework.
- The US is preparing to send the letter, warning that joining both initiatives is not acceptable, as it cannot be held alongside membership in duplicative initiatives whose expectations conflict with US goals.
- By pressing countries to choose sides, the US hopes to starve China of resources in a race to make the most sophisticated AI, which could be used for military or economic dominance.
- Kazakhstan is the only country so far known to have joined both initiatives, setting off alarm bells in Washington.
- Members of Pax Silica have access to shared investment opportunities in AI-related projects while those who sign the AI Opportunity Statement have symbolically agreed on a "common purpose" and "shared vision" with the US.
The US is preparing to inform numerous countries that they must choose sides in the escalating AI competition with China. A draft letter from the State Department warns that nations aligning with Beijing's AI framework will be excluded from the US-led coalition, known as the Pax Silica initiative.27
This initiative, launched last year, aims to secure supply chains for AI models, semiconductors, and critical minerals amid a fierce technology rivalry with China. About two dozen countries have already joined Pax Silica, including key allies like Japan, Australia, and South Korea, as well as Kazakhstan, which has also joined China's coalition.3
The US strategy seeks to starve China of resources in the race to develop advanced AI technologies, which could have significant military and economic implications. The letter emphasizes that participation in Pax Silica is a commitment, stating, “To be part of everything is to be part of nothing.” It urges countries to “choose deliberately” regarding their AI affiliations.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has countered with the launch of the “World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization,” promoting China's technology as a challenge to US influence. The dual membership of Kazakhstan in both initiatives has raised concerns in Washington, highlighting the complexities of international alliances in the AI sector.4
“The draft letter, addressed to 35 signatories of the US 'AI Opportunity Statement', urges countries to 'choose deliberately' on AI, warning that 'to be part of everything is to be part of nothing.' Kazakhstan is the only country known to have joined both Pax Silica and China's rival initiative, alarming Washington.”
