Washington is preparing to issue a stark ultimatum to countries worldwide: align with the United States in the burgeoning artificial intelligence race or risk exclusion from its technology coalition. A draft letter, reviewed by Reuters and prepared by the US State Department, signals a significant escalation in the geopolitical competition for AI dominance.
The US Stance: 'Can't Have It Both Ways'
The draft communication is reportedly addressed to 35 nations that previously signed the US 'AI Opportunity Statement' in June, many of whom are members of the non-binding Pax Silica framework. This initiative, launched by the US last year, aims to secure critical supply chains for AI models, semiconductors, and essential minerals, while encouraging joint projects and export controls.
A US official underscored the message, stating that countries "can't have it both ways." The letter warns that membership in Pax Silica cannot be held concurrently with "duplicative initiatives" that present conflicting expectations, implicitly referring to China's rival AI efforts. The core sentiment is captured in the phrase: "To be part of everything is to be part of nothing."
China's Competing Vision and Global Implications
In response to growing US influence, Chinese President Xi Jinping launched the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization in July, promoting China's open-weight AI technology as a global alternative. This move directly challenges US leadership in the sector, intensifying the technology rivalry.
The US aims to restrict China's access to vital resources necessary for developing advanced AI systems, which have significant military and economic applications. The intensifying competition comes as Chinese open-weight AI models are rapidly gaining ground against proprietary systems developed by American companies like OpenAI and Anthropic.
Kazakhstan's Dilemma and International Reactions
The pressure campaign highlights the precarious position of countries like Kazakhstan, which has joined both the US-led Pax Silica and a rival Chinese initiative. This dual membership has raised concerns in Washington, illustrating the difficult choices many nations now face.
China's embassy in Washington has voiced strong opposition to the politicization of trade and technology issues, warning that such actions could "stifle global AI advances." The US State Department has declined to comment on the leaked draft letter, and its final contents or issuance date remain uncertain.