The U.S. is issuing a stark warning to dozens of countries: choose sides in the burgeoning AI race with China. Nations aligned with the U.S. Pax Silica initiative, focused on securing AI supply chains, will be excluded from American partnerships if they also join Beijing’s competing AI framework. This diplomatic push underscores the escalating technological rivalry between the two superpowers, aiming to limit China’s access to resources and expertise.
This ultimatum, detailed in a draft State Department letter, emphasizes that participation in U.S.-led AI efforts requires a full commitment, stating, “To be part of everything is to be part of nothing.” The U.S. argues that countries cannot credibly position themselves as trusted partners in one technological ecosystem while simultaneously engaging with initiatives designed by a competitor with conflicting goals.
US Demands Allies Choose Sides in AI Race: Align with Washington or Risk Exclusion
The United States is set to inform dozens of nations that they must commit to a U.S.-led artificial intelligence coalition, warning that participation in China's competing framework will lead to exclusion from American initiatives. This move signals an escalating tech rivalry between the two global powers.
Undersecretary of State Jacob Helberg convenes The Pax Silica Summit, the first convening of a high level, private gathering focused on economic security and the establishment of a new grouping of partners tailored for the AI economy at Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace on Dec. 12, 2025 in Washington, D.C. (Tasos Katopodis | Getty Images)
The 'Pax Silica' Initiative and Beijing's Countermove
Launched last year, the U.S. initiative, dubbed 'Pax Silica,' aims to secure critical supply chains for AI technologies, including semiconductors and essential minerals. The program has already attracted around two dozen countries. However, the participation of nations like Kazakhstan, a significant source of critical minerals, in both Pax Silica and China's rival framework has raised alarms in Washington.
China, under President Xi Jinping, introduced its 'World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization' in July, promoting its own open-weight AI technology as a counter to U.S. influence in the rapidly evolving sector.
A draft letter from the U.S. State Department, prepared for the 35 signatories of the U.S. 'AI Opportunity Statement,' emphasizes the commitment required for participation. "To be part of everything is to be part of nothing. Signature of the Pax Silica Declaration is not merely a membership subscription, but a commitment," the letter states, urging countries to "choose deliberately" on AI.
The U.S. official, speaking anonymously, stated, "It is difficult to see how a country can credibly position themselves as trusted partners in one technology ecosystem while simultaneously signing up for an initiative designed by China to advance a competing vision for AI." This strategy is intended to limit China's access to resources and expertise in the high-stakes AI race, which has implications for both economic and military dominance.
'Can't Have It Both Ways'
The Pax Silica agreement encourages joint projects, export controls, and a reduction in reliance on adversarial nations for critical components of AI development. The intensifying competition is driven by China's rapid advancements in AI, particularly in open-weight models, which are challenging the dominance of U.S. companies like OpenAI and Anthropic.
The growing capabilities of AI, including autonomous hacking, have prompted a global discussion on its potential impact. Beijing's considerations of restricting overseas access to its advanced AI models further underscore the geopolitical tensions surrounding the technology.
Kazakhstan's dual membership is particularly sensitive, given China's past use of its near-monopolies on critical minerals as leverage during trade disputes. The U.S. is actively working to diversify its sources of these minerals through domestic production and partnerships with allies.
The U.S. official reiterated the core message: "you can't have it both ways." The U.S. aims to ensure its partners are fully aligned with its vision for AI development, fostering a trusted ecosystem free from the influence of competing strategic interests.
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