US to tell partners they must pick sides in AI race with China

The U.S. government is preparing to inform more than 30 countries that they must choose between joining its AI-focused coalition or aligning with China’s competing framework, according to a leaked internal draft document reviewed by Reuters. The move comes as part of the U.S.-led Pax Silica initiative, designed to secure supply chains for artificial intelligence technologies, semiconductors, and critical minerals. The document warns that nations participating in both U.S. and Chinese AI programs risk being excluded from the U.S. coalition, effectively forcing them to take a side in the escalating technology rivalry. Launched last year, the Pax Silica initiative seeks to strengthen U.S. control over essential components of AI infrastructure, including rare earth elements and advanced chip manufacturing. It has attracted support from several countries, including Japan, Australia, and South Korea, key U.S. allies, and Kazakhstan, a major supplier of critical minerals. However, Kazakhstan has also joined China’s parallel effort, prompting concern in Washington. The U.S. is reportedly drafting a letter to all signatories of the June 2024 “AI Opportunity Statement,” which includes participants in the non-binding Pax Silica framework and others expressing interest in cooperating with the United States on AI matters. The draft letter, prepared by the U.S. State Department, states that signing the Pax Silica declaration is not just a formality but a binding commitment. It urges countries to “choose deliberately” on AI-related issues, emphasizing that participation in conflicting initiatives undermines their credibility as reliable partners. While the letter does not explicitly name China, the implications are clear: the U.S. views China’s growing influence in AI as a direct threat to its strategic interests. The document warns that countries engaging in overlapping efforts with Beijing will be treated as unreliable actors in the global AI landscape. China has responded to the U.S. initiative by launching its own organization, the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, under the leadership of President Xi Jinping. This body promotes China’s open-weight AI approach as an alternative to Western proprietary systems, challenging U.S. dominance in the field. The emergence of Chinese AI models capable of autonomous hacking and rapid adaptation has intensified fears among U.S. policymakers that American leadership in the sector is slipping. As a result, the U.S. is pushing harder to consolidate support for its vision of AI governance and security. Kazakhstan stands out as the only nation confirmed to have joined both the U.S. and Chinese frameworks, raising alarms in Washington. The U.S. sees this dual alignment as a strategic risk, potentially allowing China to gain leverage through shared resources and knowledge. The draft letter warns that such dual commitments dilute the effectiveness of either initiative, making it difficult to enforce strict compliance with U.S. policies. The message is straightforward: countries must commit fully to one side or face exclusion from the U.S. coalition. The U.S. strategy hinges on the idea that by limiting access to critical resources and technologies, it can slow China’s progress in AI development. This approach mirrors broader efforts to restrict China’s access to advanced materials and manufacturing capabilities. The U.S. is also working to strengthen partnerships with countries that rely heavily on U.S. technology and expertise, ensuring that these nations remain aligned with American priorities. The goal is to create a unified front that can counterbalance China’s growing influence in the global tech arena. While the U.S. has not yet announced a formal timeline for distributing the draft letter, the document suggests that the pressure on countries to choose sides is intensifying. The State Department has declined to comment on the contents of the document, citing confidentiality concerns. Meanwhile, Chinese and Kazakh officials have not responded to requests for comment. As the AI competition heats up, the stakes for nations caught between the two superpowers continue to rise. The coming months will likely reveal how many countries are willing to take a firm stance in this high-stakes geopolitical battle.