US plans to press countries to pick sides in the AI race, reports say

The United States is preparing to tell more than 30 countries that participating in both Pax Silica and China's World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization is a conflict, according to reports of a US State Department draft letter dated August 15, 2026 AEST. Pax Silica is a 24-member framework securing AI, semiconductor and critical-mineral supply chains, the report says. It is a draft; whether it was sent or implemented is unconfirmed.

AI architecture, cloud procurement, chip sourcing and research partnerships may come to signal geopolitical alignment. Companies should not change contracts immediately; wait for final official policy, member obligations and export-control text.