US May Ask Partners to Choose Between American and Chinese AI Initiatives: Report

The US is reportedly urging partner countries to choose between competing American and Chinese AI initiatives, intensifying pressure over technology, semiconductor supply chains and critical minerals.

US Urges Partners to Choose Between Competing AI Frameworks

The United States is preparing to ask partner countries to make a clearer choice between competing American and Chinese initiatives in artificial intelligence, according to a US official and an internal State Department draft cited by Reuters.

The draft letter is reportedly aimed at 35 countries and regions that signed a US-backed AI partnership statement in June. Washington is warning that countries participating in its Pax Silica framework may not be able to simultaneously join rival initiatives if their commitments conflict with US objectives.

The move reflects the growing competition between Washington and Beijing over AI technology, semiconductor supply chains, critical minerals and computing infrastructure.

US Seeks Clearer Alignment From AI Partners

According to the reported draft, countries involved in the US-led framework are being encouraged to make deliberate choices about their participation in international AI initiatives.

The document argues that countries cannot effectively participate in every competing technology framework when the expectations of those initiatives differ.

The US position highlights Washington's broader effort to strengthen a technology ecosystem built around American standards, supply chains and strategic partnerships while limiting China's influence in critical areas of AI development.

What Is Pax Silica?

The United States launched Pax Silica in December 2025 with the goal of developing secure and resilient supply chains for technologies that support the AI economy.

The initiative focuses particularly on semiconductors and critical minerals, both of which are essential for advanced computing and artificial intelligence.

Its supply-chain approach extends from the extraction of raw materials to semiconductor manufacturing and other stages of technology production.

Washington sees resilient supply chains as increasingly important as demand for AI chips, computing infrastructure and related technologies continues to grow.

35 Countries Signed US AI Partnership Statement

At the second Pax Silica summit in June, governments from 35 countries and regions signed the Joint Statement on AI Opportunity Partnership, according to Japan's Foreign Ministry.

The agreement covers several areas linked to the development of artificial intelligence, including:

• AI research and innovation

• Computing infrastructure

• Energy resources

• Critical minerals

• Advanced technologies

• International technology cooperation

The partnership is designed to encourage collaboration among countries seeking to expand AI capabilities and build the infrastructure needed to support the sector.

Kazakhstan Joins US-Led Pax Silica

Kazakhstan became the first Central Asian country to join Pax Silica on June 25. The Kazakh government said the partnership could create opportunities for investment, technology transfers, AI infrastructure development and advanced manufacturing.

However, Kazakhstan's position is particularly notable because it has also joined China's rival AI framework, making it the only country currently known to participate in both initiatives.

This dual participation could become increasingly complicated if Washington moves ahead with stricter expectations for members of its AI ecosystem.

China Creates Rival AI Cooperation Organisation

China established the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) in July, creating another international platform focused on artificial intelligence cooperation.

Representatives from 29 countries signed the agreement establishing the independent intergovernmental organisation.

Beijing has said WAICO aims to promote international collaboration, contribute to global AI governance and encourage the orderly development of artificial intelligence.

The organisation is headquartered in Shanghai and represents China's effort to expand its role in shaping international AI policies and standards.

Kazakhstan Caught Between Two AI Frameworks

Kazakhstan's membership in both Pax Silica and WAICO illustrates the difficult choices facing countries as US-China technology competition intensifies.

While many countries may want access to investment, technology and AI infrastructure from both major powers, Washington and Beijing are increasingly developing separate technology ecosystems.

For countries attempting to maintain economic and technological ties with both sides, pressure to choose could create new challenges involving investment decisions, supply chains and technology partnerships.

US-China Rivalry Extends Beyond AI Models

The competition between Washington and Beijing is not limited to AI software or large language models.

The US is also seeking to maintain access to critical resources and technologies required for advanced AI, including semiconductors, critical minerals and computing systems.

American officials are concerned that China's growing influence over strategic supply chains could strengthen its ability to compete in advanced AI.

This has encouraged Washington to build partnerships with countries that can contribute to secure supply chains and reduce dependence on Chinese sources.

China Rejects Politicisation of Technology

China has criticised attempts to divide countries into competing technology blocs. The Chinese embassy in Washington told Reuters that efforts to politicise technology could restrict global AI development and harm international cooperation.

Beijing has promoted international cooperation through its own AI initiatives and has argued that artificial intelligence should be developed through broader global collaboration.

The competing positions demonstrate how AI is becoming closely connected with geopolitical strategy and national security.

Growing Pressure on Countries to Pick a Side

The emerging divide could force countries participating in either framework to reassess their technology and investment policies.

Governments may need to consider how participation in one initiative could affect access to technologies, supply chains, investment and partnerships offered by the other side.

For developing economies in particular, balancing relationships with both Washington and Beijing could become increasingly difficult as the two countries expand their competing AI ecosystems.

AI Becomes a New Front in US-China Competition

The latest development highlights the growing importance of artificial intelligence in the broader US-China technology rivalry.

Control over AI infrastructure, semiconductor production, critical minerals and international technology standards could influence the future balance of technological power.

As Washington strengthens its alliances and Beijing develops alternative institutions, countries around the world may face increasing pressure to determine which technology ecosystem they want to support.

Conclusion

The United States' reported push for partner countries to choose between competing AI initiatives marks a significant escalation in the global technology rivalry with China.

Pax Silica and China's WAICO represent competing approaches to international AI cooperation, supply chains and technology governance. Countries such as Kazakhstan, which currently participate in both frameworks, could face difficult choices if Washington introduces stricter alignment requirements.

The growing competition suggests that AI policy will increasingly overlap with trade, investment, national security and geopolitical strategy.