Washington is preparing to tell the 35 signatories to its June AI Opportunity Statement that they cannot join a rival Chinese AI framework if they want to remain in the US-led Pax Silica initiative, according to a draft State Department letter.

It was not clear when the letter would be sent or whether it might change.

The State Department said 35 countries have signed, including Singapore, India, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Kazakhstan, the United Arab Emirates, the UK, and the US.

The statement supports AI rules and closer alignment on supply chains for critical minerals, energy, semiconductors, and computing capacity.

Pax Silica is the State Department’s effort to secure AI and supply chains.

China’s competing initiative is the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, which President Xi Jinping launched.

Kazakhstan’s membership in both groups has drawn attention because the country produces 39% of global uranium output and has reserves of rare earths, lithium, and tantalum.

🔗 Source: Reuters