The U.S. is urging countries to commit to its AI coalition, Pax Silica, warning of exclusion for those joining competing initiatives led by China.
The U.S. State Department has issued a warning to 35 countries that previously endorsed a joint statement on artificial intelligence (AI) in June. The message, relayed through a draft letter, cautioned that those who engage in rival initiatives may find themselves excluded from the Pax Silica coalition.
Pax Silica, launched in December 2025 by Deputy Secretary of State Jacob Helberg, aims to create a collaborative alliance centered on essential raw materials, energy, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, and AI infrastructure.
During a summit in Washington in June, 24 nations, including the UK, Japan, Australia, South Korea, and India, affirmed their commitment to the coalition, with Italy later joining in August.
In reaction, China formed its own organization. On July 16, 29 nations—including Russia, Brazil, and several African countries—signed an agreement to create the Global Organization for AI Cooperation, with its base in Shanghai. Notably, none of the G7 nations participated in this initiative.
"Being part of everything means being part of nothing. Signing the Pax Silica Declaration is not a formality, but a commitment," reads the document.
The U.S. document implores partners to make a deliberate decision regarding their affiliations and points out that being a member of Pax Silica is incompatible with involvement in initiatives that conflict with U.S. interests. Although the letter does not name China directly, sources suggest that joining China's rival AI project would tarnish a partner's standing within the Pax Silica framework.
The exact timeline for sending the letter remains unclear, as does whether any further revisions will be made. The State Department has refrained from commenting on the situation, citing the sensitivity of the matter.
China's Embassy in Washington responded, arguing against politicizing trade and technology, claiming such actions are detrimental to AI advancement.
Kazakhstan Navigates Both Sides
Kazakhstan stands out as the only nation involved in both coalitions, having joined Pax Silica in June. Helberg has highlighted the country’s potential due to its unique reserves and geographic advantages for transit and economic growth.
However, just a month later, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev attended a Shanghai event formalizing WAICO, showcasing his country’s dual affiliations, which has raised eyebrows in Washington.
This situation unfolds amid a backdrop of rapid technological evolution, as China's open-weight models are closing in on the proprietary technologies from firms like OpenAI. Concurrently, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission has restricted the import of new Chinese robotics and power systems to safeguard supply chains crucial for the AI sector.
