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

Uzbekistan has formally requested to join Pax Silica, the United States' initiative focused on artificial intelligence (AI) supply chains. This move comes one month after Uzbekistan joined China's World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (Waico). Uzbekistan's ambassador to the US, Furqat Sidikov, stated that Tashkent sent a diplomatic note to the US State Department last week expressing its desire to participate in the US-led initiative. The ambassador indicated that Uzbekistan is prepared to sign an agreement once the US confirms its participation. This action places Uzbekistan in a position of engaging with both US and Chinese AI initiatives.