U.S. to tell partners they must pick sides in AI race with China

The United States is preparing to issue a directive requiring dozens of international partners to choose a side in the artificial intelligence race between Washington and Beijing. According to an internal draft document and a U.S. official, nations will face exclusion from a U.S.-led AI coalition if they simultaneously participate in China's competing framework.

The core of this ultimatum revolves around the 'Pax Silica Declaration,' a U.S.-led AI coalition launched the previous year. The draft letter explicitly states that signing the declaration functions as a binding commitment rather than a simple membership subscription, enforcing strict alignment with American standards and isolating countries that engage with Beijing's technological ecosystem.