Countries seek access to both US and Chinese AI blocs

Countries including Kazakhstan and Indonesia are trying to benefit from both US and Chinese AI partnerships rather than choose one. Experts warn that this flexibility could narrow as Washington sets conditions for participation in its supply-chain initiative and Beijing recruits partners for its AI organisation.

• The US-led Pax Silica and China-inspired World AI Cooperation Organisation offer different attractions: access to advanced US chips and AI technology, and more affordable Chinese open-source systems. Experts say countries may face increasing pressure to choose between them.· 1 source
• Kazakhstan joined both initiatives. Its AI minister visited Washington in June to join the US supply-chain group, then attended a signing ceremony in Shanghai three weeks later to become a founding member of China’s organisation.· 1 source
• Kazakhstan’s government signed an investment deal involving Nvidia worth up to US$10 billion to develop a data-centre hub. Local officials also reported a record US$2.8 billion in Chinese foreign direct investment in 2025.· 1 source
• The US State Department said trusted participation in Pax Silica is incompatible with substantive involvement in initiatives advancing a competing AI vision. China’s embassy in Washington instead advocated cooperation and presented its organisation as open and inclusive.· 1 source
• Indonesia has joined China’s organisation while seeking benefits from both powers. Singapore is considering membership while attracting US AI investment, and Saudi Arabia has pursued both Chinese-model applications and an Nvidia computing deal.· 1 source
• According to AidData, China has supplied official grants and loans supporting AI-related projects or activities in at least 77 low- and middle-income countries. Analysts cited in the report say Chinese open-source systems offer countries an alternative to dependence on US technology.· 1 source