U.S. threatens to exclude countries from Pax Silica over cooperation with China

Yesterday 12:25

By: Azzat Manal

U.S. threatens to exclude countries from Pax Silica over cooperation with China

Washington is preparing to warn dozens of countries involved in the U.S.-led Pax Silica technology alliance that cooperation with competing Chinese artificial intelligence initiatives could jeopardize their participation in the group.

According to information reported by Reuters, the U.S. State Department is considering sending a message to around 35 countries, including members of Pax Silica and governments that have expressed interest in working with Washington on artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.

The planned warning reflects growing competition between the United States and China over artificial intelligence, semiconductors, critical minerals and energy technologies. Washington is seeking to build a network of trusted partners capable of strengthening supply chains and reducing dependence on Chinese technology.

The draft communication reportedly argues that membership in Pax Silica involves commitments that may be incompatible with participation in initiatives whose objectives conflict with those of the U.S.-led alliance. The exact timing of the message has not yet been announced.

Kazakhstan is reportedly the only country currently associated with both Pax Silica and a comparable Chinese initiative. The situation illustrates the increasingly difficult choices facing countries seeking to maintain technological and economic relations with both Washington and Beijing.

Pax Silica was created as part of broader U.S. efforts to develop secure supply chains covering semiconductors, critical minerals, energy resources and artificial intelligence technologies. The initiative brings together several major economies and technology partners, including Australia, Britain, Germany, Israel, India, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, South Korea and Japan.

The emerging policy also highlights how artificial intelligence has become a central element of the wider strategic rivalry between the world's two largest economies. Beyond developing advanced models, both countries are competing for access to computing infrastructure, semiconductor production, data, energy and critical raw materials.

For participating countries, the pressure could create a delicate diplomatic balance. Maintaining cooperation with both Washington and Beijing can offer economic and technological opportunities, but increasingly strict U.S. rules may make such dual engagement more difficult.

The planned warning therefore signals a potentially tougher phase in Washington's technology strategy, as the United States seeks to consolidate its partnerships and prevent China from expanding its influence in key areas of the global artificial intelligence ecosystem.