US vs. China: Washington to force countries to choose sides in AI race, Reuters says
US President Donald Trump (photo: Getty Images)
The United States is preparing to tell dozens of countries that they must choose a side in the artificial intelligence race between America and rival China. Choosing both sides could risk exclusion from the US-led coalition, according to Reuters.
The outlet cites a draft letter prepared by the Department of State and addressed to 35 countries that signed the AI Opportunity Statement in July.
The countries that could receive the letter include participants in the nonbinding Pax Silica framework initiative, as well as other countries that have expressed interest in coordinating AI cooperation with Washington.
The Pax Silica initiative aims to protect the supply chains needed to develop AI. These range from semiconductors and critical minerals to energy and AI models themselves. So far, about two dozen countries have signed the declaration, including Japan, Australia and South Korea.
According to Reuters, by pressuring partners to choose a side, the United States hopes to deprive China of resources in the race to develop the most advanced artificial intelligence, which could be used for military or economic advantage.
In July, Chinese leader Xi Jinping launched the rival World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, promoting Beijing's technologies as a challenge to US influence in the rapidly developing sector.
At present, Kazakhstan is the only known country to have joined both initiatives, raising concerns in Washington.
"To be part of everything is to be part of nothing. Signature of the Pax Silica Declaration is not merely a membership subscription, but a commitment. It cannot be held alongside membership in duplicative initiatives whose expectations conflict with our own," the letter says.
The letter also urges countries to "choose deliberately" regarding AI cooperation. However, the outlet has not yet determined exactly when the United States plans to send the letter, or whether it could be changed before sending.
Other essential details to know
As Politico reported several days ago, the United States wants the authority to forcibly shut down dangerous artificial intelligence. If passed, the new legislation would allow authorities to require companies to stop or restrict the operation of certain models.
Also, reports emerged that Taiwan detected cyberattacks on government agencies using artificial intelligence in July. The cyberattack originated abroad, but the country of origin was not specified. It is known, however, that Taiwan has regularly faced cyberattacks and other forms of pressure from China in recent years.
