Choose a side — or be excluded: Donald Trump's ultimatum in the AI race | Report
Washington is preparing to demand that dozens of countries choose a side in the technological war against China, warning that those who join Beijing's alliance will be excluded from the American coalition. The move comes after Kazakhstan attempted to "dance at two weddings," sparking anger in the White House, which fears the leakage of technology and strategic resources to the enemy.
The United States is shifting gears in the struggle for control over artificial intelligence (AI) and is setting a clear condition for its allies: you are with us — or with China. According to a draft letter from the State Department obtained by Reuters, Washington is preparing to notify dozens of countries that they will not be able to take part in the American technological coalition if they choose to cooperate with the competing AI framework promoted by Beijing.
The tension reached a peak following the "Pax Silica" initiative launched by the US last year, which aims to secure supply chains for AI models, semiconductors, and critical minerals. So far, about 24 countries have joined the alliance, including close allies such as Japan, Australia, and South Korea. However, Kazakhstan, a country with strategic mineral reserves, decided to also join the competing AI alliance established by Chinese President Xi Jinping — a move that triggered "red lights" in Washington.
"To be part of everything is to be part of nothing," the harsh American draft letter states. "Signing the Pax Silica declaration is not just a membership subscription, but a commitment. It cannot be held in parallel with membership in dual initiatives whose expectations contradict our own."
A US official clarified that the goal is to prevent China from accessing resources and knowledge that would allow it to develop advanced AI, which could be used for military or economic superiority. "It is difficult to see how a country can position itself as a reliable partner in one technological system while signing an initiative designed to promote China's competing vision," the official explained.
"Arms race" 2026 style
The technological war between the powers is at a decisive moment. Chinese AI models have recently recorded rapid achievements against American systems like OpenAI, and the technology's ability to perform actions such as autonomous cyber hacking has turned it into a top-tier security asset.
At the same time, China is using its monopoly on critical minerals as a weapon against the customs tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, who in response has increased efforts to obtain these resources from friendly countries. The American alliance offers its members joint investment opportunities in AI projects, but now the price for participating in it is clear: a complete disconnection from the Chinese system.
The Chinese Embassy in Washington responded to the matter, stating that it opposes the politicization of trade and technology issues: "Such actions will only hinder global progress in AI and will not serve anyone's interests." The State Department stated that they do not comment on "leaks of internal documents." Now it remains to be seen how the wavering countries will respond to the American ultimatum, which could split the world of technology into two completely separate blocs.
