US to warn partners they must pick sides in artificial intelligence race with China

The US is preparing to inform dozens of countries that they must choose between aligning with the US-led Pax Silica initiative or China's competing AI framework, according to a US official and a draft letter. Launched last year, Pax Silica aims to secure supply chains for AI, semiconductors, and critical minerals, with about two dozen countries, including Kazakhstan, joining. China, in turn, launched the "World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization" in July, promoting its open-weight technology. The draft letter, from the State Department, warns the 35 signatories of a US "AI Opportunity Statement" that "It cannot be held alongside membership in duplicative initiatives whose expectations conflict with our own." This move seeks to limit China's access to resources in the race for advanced AI, which could be used for military or economic dominance. Kazakhstan is currently the only country known to have joined both initiatives, prompting concern in Washington.