US warns nations to pick America or China in AI race

The United States plans to warn dozens of countries that they must choose between aligning with Washington or Beijing in the global artificial intelligence competition, according to a draft letter from the US State Department reviewed by Reuters. The letter, prepared for the 35 nations that signed the US-led AI Opportunity Statement in June, says joining China's emerging AI framework could block participation in Washington's Pax Silica coalition.

Pax Silica, launched last year to strengthen supply chains for AI, semiconductors and critical minerals, includes around two dozen allies such as Japan, Australia and South Korea. The draft letter states: 'To be part of everything is to be part of nothing.' It argues that countries cannot be trusted US partners while joining Chinese initiatives that promote a competing technology ecosystem.

Kazakhstan has emerged as a concern because it belongs to both Pax Silica and China's new World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, launched by President Xi Jinping in July. The US letter has not yet been sent, and its wording may change.