The United States is preparing to warn dozens of countries that they may have to choose between Washington and Beijing as the global race for artificial intelligence intensifies, according to a Reuters report.
A draft letter prepared by the US State Department tells countries that joining China’s emerging AI framework could prevent them from participating in Washington’s Pax Silica coalition. The document was reviewed by Reuters and was prepared for the 35 countries that signed the US-led “AI Opportunity Statement” in June.
Pax Silica was launched by Washington last year to strengthen supply chains for artificial intelligence, semiconductors and critical minerals. Around two dozen countries have joined the framework, including key US allies such as Japan, Australia and South Korea.
US warns countries against joining both blocs
The draft letter makes clear that Washington does not want countries to maintain memberships in competing US and Chinese technology initiatives.
“To be part of everything is to be part of nothing,” the letter states, adding that signing the Pax Silica declaration “is not merely a membership subscription, but a commitment”.
The document argues that countries cannot credibly position themselves as trusted partners of the US while simultaneously joining Chinese initiatives that promote a competing technology ecosystem.
It remains unclear when the letter will be sent or whether its wording could change before being issued.
Kazakhstan raises concerns in Washington
Kazakhstan has emerged as a particular concern for US officials. The Central Asian country is a member of Pax Silica but has also joined China’s newly established World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization.
Kazakhstan’s participation in Pax Silica was viewed as strategically important because of its significant reserves of critical minerals used in advanced technologies.
Its membership in both US and Chinese frameworks has now highlighted the difficulty Washington faces in persuading partner countries to choose one side of the emerging technology divide.
China builds rival AI framework
The US move comes after China stepped up efforts to establish an alternative global AI ecosystem.
Chinese President Xi Jinping launched the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization in July, promoting China’s open-weight AI technology and seeking to challenge US leadership in the sector.
Chinese AI models have also made rapid advances, increasing competition with US companies developing proprietary systems.
Why critical minerals matter
The growing rivalry extends beyond AI software. Critical minerals and semiconductor supply chains have become central to the competition between Washington and Beijing.
China dominates the processing of several critical minerals and has previously used its position in the sector as leverage during trade tensions with the US.
Pax Silica aims to encourage cooperation among US partners on AI projects, semiconductor production and critical-mineral supply chains while reducing dependence on countries Washington considers strategic competitors.
Under the framework, participating countries can gain access to investment opportunities and cooperation on technology-related projects.
The latest US warning reflects Washington’s broader effort to build a trusted technology bloc and prevent China from expanding its influence over the global AI ecosystem.