Uzbekistan tests US-China AI rift with bid to join rival tech bloc
Uzbekistan has formally requested to join Pax Silica, the US-led initiative focused on artificial intelligence supply chains. This diplomatic move follows Uzbekistan's recent decision to join China's World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (Waico) just a month prior. Ambassador Furqat Sidikov confirmed that Tashkent submitted a diplomatic note to the US State Department last week, expressing readiness to sign. Sidikov emphasized that countries should have the opportunity for diverse international cooperation, viewing it as beneficial competition. This development reflects Central Asian nations' efforts to navigate the AI race without being forced to choose exclusively between Washington and Beijing.
Uzbekistan's dual engagement with both the US-led Pax Silica and China's Waico initiative points to a pragmatic, non-aligned approach by Central Asian nations in the global AI competition. Ambassador Furqat Sidikov's statement that countries should have a "chance to be part of any kind of international cooperation" suggests a strategy to maximize technological and economic benefits from both blocs. This stance challenges the narrative of a forced choice between Washington and Beijing, instead positioning smaller nations as active participants seeking diverse partnerships. For Asia, this approach could set a precedent for other emerging economies looking to develop their AI capabilities without committing to a single geopolitical sphere. The thing to watch is whether this dual membership will be sustainable in the long term, particularly as US-China tech competition intensifies. Uzbekistan's ability to maintain these ties will be a key indicator for the flexibility of future AI supply chains and international tech governance.
