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US Tells Nations to Choose Sides in Global AI Race

Science5 sourcesAug 17, 2026
FlatRigor 415 sources

The Story

The United States is preparing to send a letter to dozens of countries, urging them to choose sides in the global artificial intelligence race. Nations that join China's competing framework will be excluded from Washington's coalition, known as Pax Silica, according to a US official and a draft reviewed by Reuters. Pax Silica, launched last year, aims to secure supply chains for AI models, semiconductors, and critical minerals. Around two dozen countries have signed on, including Japan, Australia, South Korea, and Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan's dual membership in both Pax Silica and China's World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) has raised concerns in Washington. The draft letter warns that "To be part of everything is to be part of nothing," emphasizing that signing the Pax Silica Declaration is a commitment, not merely a subscription. The State Department prepared the letter for the 35 signatories of a US "AI Opportunity Statement" signed in June. China, meanwhile, has established WAICO, headquartered in Shanghai, with founding members including Russia, Brazil, and Indonesia. WAICO is described in Chinese diplomatic circles as a major step to answer the Global South's call for greater participation in AI development, aiming to spread AI applications and organize training programs. China's framework rests on four principles: openness and win-win cooperation, risk awareness, inclusivity, and solidarity in global governance. China rejects what it calls the overextension of national security.

The Spread

What they agree on

  • The United States is preparing to send a letter to dozens of countries regarding their alignment in the global AI race.
  • Nations that align with China's AI framework risk exclusion from the US-led Pax Silica coalition.
  • Pax Silica is a US initiative launched last year to secure AI supply chains.
  • China has established a rival international framework for AI cooperation called the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO).
  • Kazakhstan is a member of both Pax Silica and WAICO, drawing attention from US officials.

Where they split

  • The National Review article focuses on American companies doing business with Chinese AI firms, highlighting limits to US control over the technology stack.
  • The South China Morning Post article emphasizes China's ability to set its own technological path and build institutional capacity for autonomy, quoting Zheng Yongnian.
  • The Astana Times article frames China's WAICO as a response to the Global South's call for participation and highlights its four founding principles.
  • The Straits Times and Reuters articles focus on the US directive for countries to choose sides and the implications for participation in Pax Silica.

Source Perspectives

Center4 sources
Right1 source