‘Pax Silica’ declaration aims to counter China’s growing AI ambitions
Washington, Dec 13 (LatestNewsX) – In an effort to blunt China’s growing influence in AI, critical minerals and related fields, the United States, South Korea and a group of partners adopted the “Pax Silica” Declaration. The agreement aims to create a “trusted” supply‑chain ecosystem for technology that underpins artificial intelligence.
At the first Pax Silica summit in Washington, seven countries—including Japan, Australia, Britain, Israel and Singapore—signed the declaration as part of an America‑led drive to unite U.S. allies and partners against looming competitive pressures from Beijing. According to the State Department, the name comes from “pax,” meaning peace and long‑term prosperity, with “silica” referencing the silicon that powers computer chips essential to AI.
The move arrives as the Trump administration seeks to strengthen America’s global AI leadership, safeguard critical‑materials supply chains and counter Chinese control over strategically vital resources amid escalating superpower rivalry.
South Korea’s Second Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jina was present at the summit, while the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates attended but did not sign the declaration.
Released by Seoul’s foreign ministry, the declaration emphasizes that AI is a transformative force for long‑term prosperity and that “trustworthy” systems are key to protecting shared security and prosperity. It lists a wide array of cooperation areas, from software applications, frontier foundation models and network infrastructure to computing, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, transportation logistics, mineral refining, and energy.
It also stresses the importance of “fair” market practices and joint efforts against “market distortions,” though China is not named directly. The document reads:
> “We believe that true economic security requires reducing excessive dependencies and forging new connections with reliable partners and suppliers committed to fair market practices. … We will endeavour to provide access to trusted partners to the full stack of technological advancements that are shaping the AI economy,”
> “We understand the importance of addressing non‑market practices that undermine innovation and fair competition. We believe that coordination is essential to protect private investment from the market distortions of overcapacity and unfair dumping practices, and to preserve a level playing field for innovation and growth.”
The declaration also calls for coordinated policy efforts to shield sensitive technologies and critical infrastructure from “undue access, influence, or control,” and to build and deploy “trusted” information networks, including ICT systems, fibre‑optic cables and data centres.
During the summit, Vice‑Foreign Minister Kim highlighted the need for partnership across the entire global AI supply chain—energy, critical minerals, cutting‑edge manufacturing, AI infrastructure, transportation and logistics. Her ministry announced Seoul’s determination to promote supply‑chain stability by leveraging South Korea’s expertise in batteries, semiconductors, energy and related sectors.
The Pax Silica initiative emerges amid mounting concerns over China’s dominant position in critical minerals, such as rare earth elements vital for military and electronic equipment manufacturing. —LatestNewsX
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