US hails South Korea's chip prowess, eyes AI supply chain security

Key facts

• South Korea was praised by a senior U.S. official for its significant semiconductor production and technical expertise.
• The U.S. official highlighted South Korea's expected role in a U.S.-led initiative to secure artificial intelligence (AI) supply chains.
• The remarks were made during the second Pax Silica summit in Washington, focused on building trusted supply chains.
• Initiatives announced include 'Pax Pass' for AI product shipping and a 'Declaration on AI Opportunity'.
• The U.S. aims to keep AI and advanced technologies in trusted hands through international cooperation.

A senior U.S. official lauded South Korea's substantial contributions to semiconductor production and engineering, emphasizing its critical role in a U.S.-backed effort to ensure the security of artificial intelligence (AI) supply chains. Jacob Helberg, under secretary of state for economic affairs, stated that South Korea "far punches its weight" in chip manufacturing and technical expertise.

Helberg's comments came during the Pax Silica summit in Washington, which includes nearly 20 participating nations such as South Korea, Britain, Japan, and Australia. This initiative, launched last year, is designed to establish and strengthen a secure ecosystem for AI, critical minerals, and other vital areas, countering China's growing influence.

South Korea's Second Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jina represented the nation at the summit. Helberg expressed anticipation for South Korea's insights on AI infrastructure security and managing capacity shortages. The Pax Silica platform draws its name from the Latin word for peace and the compound essential for computer chips.

During the summit, Helberg announced new initiatives, including "Pax Pass," a project to expedite high-value AI product shipments through Panama with enhanced verification and risk assessment, supported by $50 million in U.S. foreign assistance. He also unveiled the planned "Declaration on AI Opportunity," a commitment to pro-growth AI policies and resilient technology ecosystems.

Additionally, a "Foundry School" initiative was announced in partnership with Stanford University to support entrepreneurs and leaders in Pax Silica economies. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau stressed that the goal of Pax Silica is to keep critical technologies like AI and advanced chips "in trusted hands," preventing them from being vulnerable to coercive policies.