{
  "id": 3790062,
  "title": "Central Asia Resists US Pressure to Choose Sides in AI Race",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/central-asia-resists-us-pressure-to-choose-sides-in-ai-race",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-08-27T18:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "OilPrice",
    "slug": "oilprice",
    "url": "https://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/Central-Asia-Resists-US-Pressure-to-Choose-Sides-in-AI-Race.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are resisting US pressure to align with either the United States or China in the global artificial intelligence (AI) race, according to recent developments and statements from officials in both countries. The US State Department recently circulated a draft note stating that any nation interested in accessing advanced US artificial intelligence technology under a program called Pax Silica must shun participation in the Chinese-led World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO). Kazakhstan is a member of both Pax Silica and WAICO, while Uzbekistan is a signatory to WAICO and has shown interest in strengthening ties with the United States in AI development. Both nations are reportedly hesitant to comply with the US demand, with Kazakh officials showing a willingness to maintain strong connections with China in the AI sector. On August 18, scientists from both countries announced plans to collaborate on an AI platform focused on analyzing scientific literature and data sets, while also participating in an AI initiative called DeepBas, jointly developed with China, aimed at enhancing water resource management through specialized AI models. Uzbek officials have explicitly expressed their openness to partnering with both the United States and China, emphasizing the importance of accessing a variety of AI technologies to foster economic growth, while expressing particular interest in affordable Chinese AI solutions.",
  "summary": "Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are tossing figurative darts at a US trial balloon connected to the intensifying race between the United States and China for leadership in AI development. Reuters reported on August 14 that the US State Department had drafted a note stating that any nation interested in widening access to advanced American know-how and technology in the AI sector under a program known…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}