The United States is preparing to warn 35 countries that joining a China-led AI organization could jeopardize their participation in US-backed technology initiatives, as Washington moves to force a clearer choice between the two countries’ competing AI ecosystems.
The move could have consequences far beyond diplomatic alignment. Countries that rely on US-linked technology infrastructure may face Washington’s export controls on advanced semiconductors and restrictions on dealings with Chinese companies, while China is offering developing nations open-source AI models, training, infrastructure support and other partnerships.
The US State Department has drafted a communication to the 35 countries, urging them to clarify their position between the competing frameworks, according to Reuters. The letter has not yet been sent and is not, in its current form, a binding decision.
The draft warns that joining China’s rival initiative could affect a country’s current or future participation in the US-led Pax Silica Initiative, signaling Washington’s push to prevent partner governments from participating in both systems.
Most of the countries targeted by the communication signed the Pax Silica Declaration on AI opportunities during a Washington-hosted summit aimed at expanding technological cooperation with US allies and partners.
The United States launched Pax Silica in December 2025 to build what it describes as trusted supply networks for the core components of the AI economy, including advanced semiconductors, critical minerals, data centers, energy resources and digital infrastructure.
Washington’s move follows China’s establishment of the World AI Cooperation Organization, whose founding agreement was signed by 29 countries in Shanghai on July 16.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the new organization will be an independent intergovernmental body headquartered in Shanghai that seeks to promote cooperation in AI development and governance and broaden access to the technology’s benefits.
Beijing has attracted countries from Asia, Africa and Latin America to the organization, including Russia, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, and Pakistan.
If the State Department sends the communication in its current form, the US-China AI rivalry could become much harder for governments outside either camp to navigate.
The choice could shape countries’ access to advanced chips, investment, data centers, and key markets, while narrowing their ability to work with both US and Chinese suppliers. For many governments, that could end years of balancing ties with both US and Chinese suppliers.
