US to Force Dozens of Countries to Pick Sides in AI Race with China
The US is set to warn countries they will be excluded from a US-led AI coalition if they also join China's competing framework, in a bid to starve China of resources in the AI race
The US is preparing to tell dozens of countries they must pick sides in the artificial intelligence race with China, warning they will be excluded from a US-led AI coalition if they also sign up for Beijing's competing framework. This move aims to starve China of resources in the AI race and promote US influence in the sector.
About two dozen countries have joined the Pax Silica initiative, which was launched by the US in 2025 to secure supply chains for AI models, semiconductors and critical minerals. However, Kazakhstan has joined both the Pax Silica initiative and China's competing framework, setting off alarm bells in Washington.
The US State Department has prepared a draft letter to be sent to the 35 signatories of the US AI Opportunity Statement, urging countries to 'choose deliberately' on AI and not join duplicative initiatives. The letter emphasizes that signature of the Pax Silica Declaration is not merely a membership subscription, but a commitment.
Chinese President Xi Jinping launched a rival World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization in July, promoting his country's open-weight technology as a challenge to US influence over the fast-moving sector. China's embassy in Washington opposes politicizing trade and technology issues.
## Why it matters The US hopes to starve China of resources in the AI race by pressing countries to choose sides, as the development of sophisticated AI could be used for military or economic dominance. The move is part of a fierce technology rivalry between the US and China, with the US seeking to maintain its influence in the sector.
The draft letter is addressed to the 35 signatories of the US AI Opportunity Statement, which includes members of the non-binding Pax Silica framework and other countries that have expressed a desire to align cooperation on AI with Washington. The US is warning that countries cannot be part of both initiatives, and must choose which side to align with.
## What happens next The US will send the draft letter to the 35 signatories of the US AI Opportunity Statement, urging them to choose deliberately on AI and not join duplicative initiatives. The move is likely to escalate tensions between the US and China, as countries are forced to pick sides in the AI race.
