WASHINGTON, 15 August, 2026 (Nosheen): The United States is preparing to tell dozens of countries that they must choose sides in the growing artificial intelligence (AI) race with China, warning that countries joining Beijing’s competing AI framework could be excluded from a US-led AI coalition.According to Reuters, the US State Department has prepared an internal draft letter outlining the policy. The move reflects Washington’s efforts to strengthen cooperation with partner countries while limiting China’s influence in the rapidly developing AI sector.The United States launched the Pax Silica initiative last year to secure supply chains for AI models, semiconductors and critical minerals amid intensifying technological competition between Washington and Beijing.Around two dozen countries have joined the initiative, including Kazakhstan, which is considered a potential source of critical minerals but has also joined China’s competing coalition. Close US allies, including Japan, Australia and South Korea, are also members of Pax Silica.

The draft letter is reportedly addressed to the 35 signatories of a US “AI Opportunity Statement” signed in June. The group includes members of the non-binding Pax Silica framework as well as other countries that have expressed interest in aligning their AI cooperation with Washington.By urging countries to choose between the two competing frameworks, the US hopes to restrict China’s access to resources and partnerships needed to develop increasingly advanced AI systems.The growing US-China competition over artificial intelligence has also intensified broader rivalry over semiconductors, critical minerals, technology and global supply chains. Advanced AI technology is expected to have significant implications for economic competitiveness as well as future military capabilities.