Washington: The growing rivalry between the United States and China in artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly taking on a geopolitical dimension. The US is reportedly preparing to send letters to dozens of countries, warning them that they may have to choose between competing AI-led technology alliances.
According to a draft reviewed by Reuters and information from a US official, countries that join a China-led AI framework could potentially be excluded from the US-led Pax Silica alliance.
What is Pax Silica?
Pax Silica is a US-led international initiative focused on strengthening strategic technology supply chains. Its priorities include cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors and critical minerals.
Nearly two dozen countries, including Japan, Australia, South Korea and Kazakhstan, have joined the initiative.
China Builds Its Own AI Network
China is also expanding its international cooperation in artificial intelligence. Beijing has launched the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, aimed at promoting collaboration between countries in the AI sector.
This development has raised concerns in Washington that some countries could attempt to maintain close relationships with both the US and China.
Kazakhstan is one example. The country has joined Pax Silica while also becoming part of China’s new AI cooperation framework.
Washington Sends a Strong Message
According to the reported draft, the US could make it clear to partner countries that participating in both competing AI frameworks would not be acceptable.
The proposed message reportedly emphasizes that joining Pax Silica represents more than simply becoming a member of an international initiative—it involves a strategic commitment to working with the US and its partners.
AI Becomes a New Geopolitical Battleground
The competition between Washington and Beijing is no longer limited to developing advanced AI models.
It now extends to semiconductors, computing infrastructure, data centers, critical minerals and technology supply chains.
The US is working with its allies to reduce dependence on China in strategically important technologies, while China is developing alternative international networks and partnerships.
Countries Could Face a Difficult Choice
If Washington follows through with this approach, several countries could face an increasingly difficult strategic decision: whether to align themselves more closely with the US-led technology ecosystem or strengthen their ties with China’s emerging AI network.
The development highlights how artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming more than a technology issue. AI is emerging as a major factor in global economic competition, strategic supply chains and geopolitical influence.
This article is a rewritten version based on the information reported by Reuters and published by The Times of India. The reported US communication was based on a draft, and the final policy could change.
