Undersecretary of State Jacob Helberg recently hosted The Pax Silica Summit, marking the inaugural high-level private meeting dedicated to economic security and the formation of a new coalition tailored for the artificial intelligence sector. This significant gathering took place at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C., on December 12, 2025.
The U.S. is gearing up to inform numerous nations that they must make a choice in the escalating competition in artificial intelligence with China. According to a U.S. official and an internal draft obtained by Reuters, countries that commit to Beijing's rival framework will face exclusion from a U.S.-led AI coalition.
Launched last year, the Pax Silica initiative aims to secure supply chains essential for AI models, semiconductors, and critical minerals in response to the escalating technological competition with China.
Approximately 24 nations have signed on, including Kazakhstan, which is identified as a critical mineral supplier but has also aligned with China’s coalition. Close allies of the U.S., including Japan, Australia, and South Korea, are among those that have joined.
The State Department's draft letter targets the 35 countries that endorsed a U.S. "AI Opportunity Statement" in June, encompassing members of the non-binding Pax Silica framework and nations keen on cooperating with the U.S. in the AI domain.
By urging nations to take a definitive stance, the U.S. aims to limit China’s access to resources needed to develop advanced AI technologies that could potentially be leveraged for military or economic superiority.
In July, Chinese President Xi Jinping initiated a competing "World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization," advocating for China's technology landscape as a counter to U.S. dominance in this fast-evolving field.
Kazakhstan stands out as the only country known to participate in both initiatives, raising concerns in Washington.
"To be part of everything is to be part of nothing. Signing the Pax Silica Declaration signifies a dedication, not just a membership," the letter states, encouraging countries to "make careful choices" regarding AI involvement.
The letter further notes that dual membership in conflicting initiatives creates unresolvable expectations without specifically naming China.
As of now, it remains unclear when the U.S. plans to dispatch the letter or if modifications might be made before it is sent, as the draft itself does not include a date.
The State Department has opted not to comment on what it refers to as "purportedly leaked internal documents."
In response, China's embassy in Washington criticized the attempt to politicize trade and technological matters, asserting that such actions would hinder global advancements in AI and ultimately benefit no one. Meanwhile, the Kazakh embassy in Washington has not responded to inquiries for comments.
