# US to tell allies they must pick sides in AI race with China 2026-08-15T07:40:18+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 2 independent outlets The United States is preparing to tell dozens of countries they must choose between Washington and Beijing in the artificial intelligence race, warning that joining China's competing AI initiative will mean exclusion from a US-led coalition, a US official and an internal draft letter reviewed by Reuters show. The draft, prepared by the State Department, is addressed to the 35 signatories of a US 'AI Opportunity Statement' signed in June, which includes members of the non-binding Pax Silica framework. 'To be part of everything is to be part of nothing,' the letter says, urging countries to 'choose deliberately'. Reuters reports the letter does not mention China by name. Washington launched Pax Silica last year to secure supply chains for AI models, semiconductors and critical minerals amid a fierce technology rivalry with Beijing. About two dozen countries have joined, including Kazakhstan, which has also signed up for China's rival World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation launched by President Xi Jinping in July. The Hindu reports Kazakhstan's dual membership has set off alarm bells in Washington. China's embassy in Washington said the country opposes politicising trade and technology issues, adding, 'Such actions will only stifle global AI advances and serve no one's interests.' The Kazakh embassy in Washington did not respond to a request for comment. The US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the letter aims to make clear that 'you can't have it both ways'. Reuters could not determine when the US intends to send the letter or whether it might be amended before sending. The State Department declined to comment on what it called 'purportedly leaked internal documents'. ## Coverage - ndtv.com - thehindu.com Tags: China, United States Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/us-to-ask-partners-to-choose-sides-in-ai-race-with-china/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/us-to-ask-partners-to-choose-sides-in-ai-race-with-china/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.