Key facts
- The U.S. is preparing to instruct allied nations to choose between U.S. and Chinese-led AI initiatives.
- Countries aligning with China's AI framework risk exclusion from a U.S.-led AI coalition.
- The U.S. initiative, Pax Silica, aims to secure supply chains for AI technology and critical minerals.
- Kazakhstan's participation in both U.S. and Chinese AI initiatives has raised concerns in Washington.
- A draft U.S. State Department letter emphasizes that joining Pax Silica is a commitment, not merely a subscription.
The United States is preparing to instruct allied nations to choose between U.S. and Chinese-led artificial intelligence initiatives, warning that countries aligning with China's AI framework risk exclusion from a U.S.-led AI coalition. This move is part of the broader technological rivalry between the two global powers.
The U.S. initiative, known as Pax Silica, aims to secure supply chains for AI models, semiconductors, and critical minerals. Approximately two dozen countries have joined this framework, including key U.S. allies like Japan, Australia, and South Korea, as well as Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan's decision to join both the U.S.-led Pax Silica and China's rival 'World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization' has raised concerns in Washington. A draft letter from the State Department reportedly states that participation in Pax Silica is a commitment and cannot be held alongside membership in duplicative initiatives with conflicting expectations.
The U.S. official indicated that the intention is to starve China of resources in the race for advanced AI capabilities, which could have military or economic implications. This comes as China's open-weight AI models have shown significant progress, challenging proprietary systems from U.S. companies. Beijing is also reportedly considering restrictions on overseas access to its leading AI models.