US demands allies pick sides in AI race

The United States is preparing to send a letter to dozens of countries, warning them to choose sides in the artificial intelligence race with China or face exclusion from the US-led Pax Silica coalition. The draft letter, prepared by the United States — United States Department of State, is addressed to the 35 signatories of the US 'AI Opportunity Statement' and urges them to 'choose deliberately' on AI, stating that membership in Pax Silica cannot coexist with membership in 'duplicative initiatives' such as China's World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, launched by Xi Jinping in July. Kazakhstan is the only country known to have joined both initiatives, raising concerns in Washington. The US aims to starve China of resources, including critical minerals and semiconductors, to maintain technological dominance. China's embassy in Washington criticized the move as politicizing trade and technology, while the State Department declined to comment on the leaked draft. The letter's timing and final content remain unconfirmed.