Uzbekistan tests US-China AI rift with bid to join rival tech bloc
The Central Asian country of Uzbekistan has approached the United States about joining Pax Silica, Washington’s flagship initiative on artificial intelligence (AI) supply chains, a month after signing up for China’s own global grouping, the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (Waico). Uzbekistan’s ambassador to the US, Furqat Sidikov, said Tashkent had formally notified the US…
Uzbekistan has requested to join the United States' AI supply chain initiative, Pax Silica, a month after signing up for China's counterpart, World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (Waico). Uzbekistan's ambassador to the United States, Furqat Sidikov, formally notified the US State Department of the request in a diplomatic note, stating that the country is ready to sign.
Sidikov emphasized that countries should have the opportunity to participate in international cooperation and that drawing red lines would be counterproductive. The move reflects the growing pressure on nations to choose between Washington and Beijing in the race for AI dominance, as both powers promote competing visions for standards, supply chains, and strategic partnerships. Kazakhstan is the only nation currently a member of both Pax Silica and Waico.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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