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China and US seek Asean alignment via competing AI blocs

China offered Asean governments “exclusive privileges” tied to joining Waico, while Washington pushed a China-free AI supply chain framework, according to the South China Morning Post.

Reported · Written up by our desk · Trade & Tariffs

Southeast Asian leaders have long said they will not be forced to choose between the United States and China, but the rivalry is increasingly playing out through artificial intelligence, the South China Morning Post reports. Washington is pushing the region to align with its Pax Silica bid for a China-free AI supply chain, while Beijing is urging countries to join China’s World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation, known as Waico.

According to sources cited by the outlet, both powers have recently increased pressure on Asean economies to steer them toward their respective AI frameworks. One source said Chinese officials lobbied Asean countries to support Waico before it was established last month and dangled potential benefits, including an offer of “exclusive privileges” for founding members.

The reporting also says the lobbying escalated to senior government levels, with Beijing describing Waico as an inclusive AI body that would champion developing economies. The same source contrasts that pitch with what Beijing characterizes as an exclusionary American initiative tied to Pax Silica.

Five Southeast Asian countries were signatories to Waico, namely Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia and Myanmar, the South China Morning Post reported.

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