As Singapore weighs joining China-led AI body, does it risk US retaliation?

Singapore is weighing an invitation to join the China-led World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (Waico), Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo told parliament this week, saying membership would be assessed on its objectives and how it complements Singapore's existing engagements. Analysts say joining the Shanghai-based bloc, launched in July to build cooperation on AI governance, technical standards and development strategies, would give Singapore more influence but could draw an unfriendly response from Washington. Singapore is one of seven signatories to the US-led Pax Silica initiative, launched last December to strengthen supply chains for minerals essential to AI, and Teo said "it is therefore less meaningful to make one-to-one comparisons between individual initiatives.

As Singapore weighs joining China-led AI body, does it risk US retaliation? Joining the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation gives Singapore influence, but may affect its Pax Silica role, analysts say Singapore https://www.scmp.com/topics/singapore?module=inline&pgtype=article considers joining a China-led body on artificial intelligence, analysts say membership would give the city state a bigger say in global governance matters related to the technology but may invite an unfriendly response from Washington. Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo revealed in parliament earlier this week that Singapore had received an invitation to join the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation Waico . Singapore would consider the proposal alongside its broader engagements with China and other international AI cooperation initiatives, she added. Launched in July, the Shanghai-based bloc aims to build cooperation in areas such as AI governance, technical standards and development strategies. Responding to a parliamentary question on Singapore’s strategic positioning between Waico and the US-led Pax Silica initiative, Teo said on Wednesday: “Whether we participate in any particular initiative depends on its objectives, the substantive areas of common interest, how it complements our existing engagements, and Singapore’s overall interests. “It is therefore less meaningful to make one-to-one comparisons between individual initiatives.” The Pax Silica initiative aims to help partners strengthen supply chains for minerals essential to AI. Singapore was among seven signatories that agreed to collaborate during its launch last December.