Pax Silica: Allies Move to Build a Trusted AI and Critical Minerals Supply Chain
Senior officials from the United States, South Korea, Japan, Australia, Britain, Israel, and Singapore signed the Pax Silica Declaration in Washington. The agreement focuses on building a trusted supply chain ecosystem for artificial intelligence, critical minerals, semiconductors, and network infrastructure.
The Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates joined the summit discussions but did not sign the declaration. South Korea was represented by Second Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jina.
What "Pax Silica" Means
Pax points to peace, stability, and long-term prosperity. Silica refers to the compound refined into silicon-the base material for chips that make AI possible. The message is clear: reliable technology depends on reliable inputs and reliable partners.
The Policy Signal
Washington is pressing for AI leadership, resilient supply chains for critical materials, and reduced exposure to non-market practices-without naming any country in the text. The declaration stresses fair competition, lower dependency on single points of failure, and coordinated responses to overcapacity and unfair dumping.
What the Declaration Covers
- Software applications and platforms
- Frontier foundation models
- Information connectivity and network infrastructure
- Computing and semiconductors
- Advanced manufacturing
- Transportation and logistics
- Minerals refining and processing
- Energy to support the full AI stack
It also calls for joint efforts to protect sensitive technologies and critical infrastructure from undue access, influence, or control. Signatories commit to building and deploying trusted information networks-including ICT systems, fiberoptic cables, and data centers-while supporting fair market practices and coordinated action against distortions.
Why This Matters for Government Teams
AI performance depends on a chain: energy, minerals, manufacturing, compute, models, data, networks, logistics. A weak link stalls programs and raises security risk. The declaration sets a coalition approach to reduce those weak links and make procurement more predictable.
Actions Public Sector Leaders Can Take Now
- Map dependencies across the AI stack: Identify single-source risks for chips, specialty components, data center equipment, and critical minerals (e.g., rare earths). Prioritize diversification across signatory countries where practical.
- Upgrade procurement standards: Add vendor criteria for supply chain transparency, audit rights, data residency controls, incident reporting, and export-control compliance. Require proof of fair-market sourcing for critical inputs.
- Set "trusted network" baselines: For ICT, subsea and terrestrial fiber, and data centers, require vetted providers, route diversity, and continuity plans for cross-border operations.
- Protect sensitive tech: Screen contracts and partnerships for undue influence or control. Apply consistent reviews for high-risk technologies and facilities.
- Coordinate on trade enforcement: Share signals of overcapacity and dumping with allied agencies. Use joint responses to protect investment and maintain a level playing field.
- Secure energy for AI workloads: Include grid capacity, backup generation, and siting constraints in AI project planning to avoid downstream bottlenecks.
- Build skills: Train teams on AI procurement, model risk, and supply chain assurance so policies turn into day-to-day practice.
South Korea's Role
Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jina underscored cooperation across the full AI supply chain-energy, critical minerals, advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, and logistics. Seoul signaled it will lean on national strengths in batteries, semiconductors, and energy technology to support stability.
Geopolitical Context
The initiative arrives amid concern over concentrated control of critical minerals used in defense, electronics, and clean energy technologies. Reducing exposure and broadening trusted refining and processing capacity is a strategic priority for many governments.
Helpful References
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