Archive · 17 Aug 2026
Washington tells countries to pick sides in AI race
The United States and China are competing to lead the world in artificial intelligence, or AI, which is technology that lets computers learn and solve problems.
The US started a group called Pax Silica to work with friendly countries on AI, computer chips, and special minerals.
Now the US wants countries to pick just one side: either work with the US or work with China.
The US prepared a letter to 35 countries that signed a statement about AI cooperation.
The letter says countries cannot be part of both groups at the same time.
One US official said, 'You can't have it both ways.'
China started its own group, the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, in July.
Kazakhstan is the only country that joined both groups, and this worries US officials.
China's embassy in Washington said the US approach is unfair and could slow down AI progress for everyone.
The two countries are also competing over special minerals and computer chips needed to build AI.
The US is preparing to tell dozens of countries they must choose between US-led and China-led AI frameworks, warning that joining Beijing's rival initiative could mean exclusion from the US coalition.
The draft State Department letter is addressed to the 35 signatories of the US 'AI Opportunity Statement' signed in June.
Kazakhstan is the only country known to have joined both Pax Silica and China's rival AI initiative, raising concerns among US officials.
China launched the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization in July under President Xi Jinping, promoting open-weight AI models as an alternative to US platforms.
China's embassy in Washington criticized the US approach, saying it politicizes trade and technology and would stifle global AI advances.
- Who
- The United States State Department, China, and the 35 signatories of the US 'AI Opportunity Statement'
- What
- Washington is preparing to send a letter telling countries to choose between the US-led Pax Silica initiative and China's rival AI framework
- When
- The draft letter follows the June signing of the US 'AI Opportunity Statement'; China launched its rival framework in July
- Where
- Washington and Beijing, with implications for countries worldwide including Kazakhstan
- Why
- To strengthen the US-led AI coalition and reduce dependence on China for AI models, semiconductor chips, and critical minerals
Washington's View
Beijing's View
Choosing sides in AI
Washington's View
Countries cannot participate in both US-led and China-led AI frameworks; joining both undermines trust and coalition integrity.
Beijing's View
The US approach politicizes trade and technology and will stifle global AI advances, serving no one's interests.
AI framework competition
Washington's View
Pax Silica strengthens supply chains for AI models, chips and critical minerals while reducing dependence on China.
Beijing's View
Beijing promotes open-weight AI models as an alternative to US-led technology platforms and opposes US pressure on other countries.
- US initiative
- Pax Silica
- US AI Opportunity Statement signatories
- 35
- Pax Silica members
- Around two dozen countries, including Japan, Australia, South Korea and Kazakhstan
- China's rival framework
- World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization
- China's framework launch
- July, announced by President Xi Jinping
- Country in both initiatives
- Kazakhstan
- US official's warning
- "You can't have it both ways"
- Draft letter quote
- "To be part of everything is to be part of nothing."