US to tell partners they must pick sides in AI race with China

The United States plans to inform numerous nations they must choose between participating in a U.S.-led AI coalition or supporting China's competing framework, according to a U.S. official and an internal draft obtained by Reuters. Last year, Washington initiated the Pax Silica initiative to safeguard AI supply chains, semiconductors, and crucial minerals amidst a competitive technological rivalry with Beijing.

Approximately two dozen countries, including Kazakhstan, a vital source of critical minerals, have joined the coalition, alongside close U.S. allies like Japan, Australia, and South Korea. The draft letter, prepared by the State Department, targets the 35 signatories of the U.S. AI Opportunity Statement, which encompasses members of the non-binding Pax Silica framework and other countries interested in aligning their AI cooperation with Washington.

The U.S. aims to compel countries to select a side to diminish China's access to resources in the pursuit of developing the most advanced AI technology, which could be employed for military or economic supremacy. In July, Chinese President Xi Jinping launched the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, challenging U.S. influence in the rapidly evolving sector.

Kazakhstan is the sole country so far known to have joined both initiatives, raising concerns in Washington. The letter emphasizes that joining both initiatives is inconsistent with the U.S.'s own objectives and urges countries to make a deliberate decision on AI matters. The State Department declined to comment on leaked internal documents, while China's embassy in Washington dismissed accusations of politicizing trade and technology issues.