Title: US to Allies: Choose a Side in the AI Race, or Lose Access

**Article:** The United States is preparing to send a blunt message to its closest partners: you cannot stay neutral in the global competition for artificial intelligence. According to a draft letter seen by Reuters, Washington will tell the 35 countries that signed the U.S. “AI Opportunity Statement” in June that they must now pick a side—either with the U.S. or with China. The statement, signed earlier this year, was framed as a cooperative effort to develop AI safely. But the new letter goes further. It reportedly warns that continued access to American AI technology and investment will depend on a country’s alignment with U.S. policy. In plain terms: if a partner continues to work closely with China on AI, they risk losing U.S. support. The move signals a hardening of Washington’s stance. For months, U.S. officials have expressed concern that China is using joint projects with smaller nations to gain access to sensitive technology and global data. The draft letter does not name specific penalties. But it makes clear that neutrality is no longer an option. The 35 signatories include many of America’s traditional allies in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Several of these countries have active AI partnerships with both the U.S. and China. The final letter is expected to be sent in the coming weeks. It is part of a broader push by the Biden administration to treat AI as a strategic resource, similar to semiconductors or rare earth minerals. For now, the message is simple: in the AI race, there are only two lanes—and you must choose one.