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Pax Silica

Pax Silica
Pax Silica is an America-led initiative to reduce reliance on China by securing supply chains for technology such as AI and semiconductors, launched in December 2025 by the US Department of State. The following year China launched the rival World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (Waico).
The first session of the Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva, Switzerland, on July 6. Photo: Xinhua
Diplomacy

Opinion | US-China AI rivalry needn’t preclude cooperation

Forcing countries to choose between the US’ and China’s initiatives would be counterproductive to global AI governance.

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US-China relations

Uzbekistan tests US-China AI rift with bid to join rival tech bloc

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US-China relations

Exclusive | Waico vs Pax Silica: Southeast Asia caught between China and US in AI race

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US-China relations

Exclusive | As Xi’s US visit approaches, basic details of planned AI talks remain uncertain

Questions remain over which US agencies will take the lead, whether private firms will join and what will be on the agenda.

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The bilateral discussions come amid growing US-China rivalry over competing visions for global AI development. Photo: Shutterstock
US-China relations

China urged to avoid ‘us or them’ split with US over AI governance

Both superpowers have set up their own international blocs, fuelling concerns that other countries will be forced to pick sides.

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The Philippines

Will Philippines win race to secure Pax Silica hub before neighbours do?

Top diplomat warns Manila risks losing out on the opportunity if it ‘drops the ball’, even as environmental and sovereignty concerns grow.

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China-EU relations

China pitches AI models to Europe. Is it enough to avoid 2-horse race with US?

The two big tech powers are well ahead of the competition. The question now is whether a third big player can emerge.

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China is seeking closer cooperation with European countries on AI. Photo: Xinhua
Artificial intelligence

Opinion | The AI order will have 3 tracks, not 2

Between American-secured diffusion and Chinese developmental multilateralism, middle powers have space to make their presence felt.

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Artificial intelligence

What a visit to China’s AI labs reveals about the battle for global soft power

The ultimate prize in AI is not just owning the technology, but having the power to dictate rules, frame ethics and command global influence.

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US-Asean relations

Exclusive | Philippines, sovereignty, Pax Silica Industrial Hub – how US’ Helberg sees it

Senior US official tackles suggestions that Manila’s jurisdiction could be eroded by a joint supply chain project.

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Protesters in Manila express opposition to the US-led Pax Silica international initiative, which brings countries together to secure global supply chains for advanced technologies. Photo: EPA
China-Latin America relations

China vows to defend Brazil’s sovereignty as Trump’s 25% tariff bites

Wang Yi tells Brazilian foreign minister Beijing backs Brazil’s sovereignty, and asks for support on ‘China’s own core interests’ in return.

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Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira (centre, left) and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (centre, right) meet on the sidelines of the Asean foreign ministers' meeting in Manila, the Philippines, on Thursday. Photo: Xinhua
Indonesia

Indonesia’s AI ambitions test US-China balancing act

Analysts warn joining the new body could limit Indonesia’s access to US-made AI models and proprietary technology.

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SCMP Highlights

Malaysia’s US$500m warship, Philippines’ Pax Silica AI hub: 7 Asia highlights

From Bali’s bid to become a financial hub to Japan’s bind over US’ ICC campaign, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

The Philippines

Can Philippines turn reforms into gains in Southeast Asia’s FDI race?

Reforms have thrust the country into the spotlight as it seeks to lure capital away from Vietnam, Malaysia and elsewhere.

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Containers and cranes at the international port of Manila last year. Risk analysts have praised the Philippines for its market openness, regulatory strength and labour rights. Photo: AFP
The Philippines

Philippines’ Pax Silica AI hub plan slammed for mineral ‘plunder’

The proposed US-led plan is another example of the authorities’ insincerity in addressing the concerns of affected communities, critics say.

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Protesters hold a rally against the US-led Pax Silica project and defence deals between the US and the Philippines in Manila on July 4. Photo: EPA
Artificial intelligence

Top takeaways from Xi Jinping’s opening address at the World AI Conference

The speech marks the Chinese president’s first-ever keynote address at the nation’s premier artificial intelligence summit.

Artificial intelligence

Xi Jinping says ‘one country’ cannot monopolise AI – as it happened

President’s personal attendance seen as a sign of China’s inclusion of artificial intelligence into broader geopolitical strategy.

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US-China relations

Exclusive | Anthropic, China and why Pax Silica architect thinks the US can keep AI lead

Brief curbs on foreign access to Anthropic’s Fable and Mythos models designed to keep infrastructure safe, Jacob Helberg says.

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Jacob Helberg, US undersecretary of state for economic affairs, argues that China is pursuing a state-led approach to artificial intelligence while Washington was leveraging its "incredible companies". Photo: Getty Images
China-India relations

Exclusive | US assures India over AI ‘kill switch’ as ‘Pax Silica’ expands to counter China

New Delhi says Washington pledged AI access would continue after Anthropic restrictions as the US-led initiative adds new members.

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China-Latin America relations

US targets Cuba mining sector to block use of China-linked supply chains

Washington revealed sanctions on foreign-backed mining ventures on Tuesday, which Havana slammed for being ‘dishonest and mendacious’.

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China-India relations

Will US-India tensions hurt Quad’s critical mineral ambitions?

Washington-New Delhi strains test bloc’s cohesion, but concerns over Beijing may keep critical minerals plans on track.

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The Quad brings together Australia, India, Japan and the United States to address shared strategic and economic challenges, including dependence on China. Photo: Shutterstock
Asean

Opinion | Will the US’ Pax Silica deliver for the Philippines?

The Pax Silica plan to make the Philippines a vital node in a US-led tech supply chain is built on seemingly speculative promises and risks riling China.

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US President Donald Trump meets Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr in the Oval Office at the White House on July 22, 2025, in Washington. Photo: Getty Images/TNS
The Philippines

US tech supply chain hub tackling China hits Philippine sovereignty wall

Manila pushes back against reports that a US-backed AI industrial hub will come under US laws and diplomatic protections.

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Artificial intelligence

Armed with Nvidia chips, UAE aims to build an AI bridge to the Global South

With its Opec era over, the Gulf state has big post-war ambitions for Africa and beyond, bolstered by elite Nvidia chip deliveries.

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The Philippines

Western powers ramp up support for Philippines’ Luzon economic hub

Eight more countries will invest in the project as they accelerate regional trade diversification in sectors ranging from AI to energy.

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Containers at the Manila North Harbour Port in Manila, Philippines. Development of the Luzon Economic Corridor will involve eight more countries. Photo: AP
China trade

How China’s sharper tech edge forces South Korea to rethink old industrial ties

Scholars urge a pivot to shared AI and EV standards and cooperation, while an upgraded China-South Korea free-trade pact is deemed vital.

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An artificial intelligence-powered robot works at a “convenience store” during the 2026 World IT Show in Seoul. Photo: EPA
The Philippines

Can a US-governed ‘Pax Silica’ hub turn Philippines into a chip powerhouse?

The chip-focused ‘economic security zone’ will reportedly operate under US law despite being on Philippine soil.

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Diplomacy

Beyond Pax Silica: Japan, France and Canada seek rare earth autonomy

Wary of both Beijing’s grip and Washington’s whims, three G7 allies are charting their own independent critical mineral course.

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