Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are tossing figurative darts at a US trial balloon connected to the intensifying race between the United States and China for leadership in AI development. 

Reuters reported on August 14 that the US State Department had drafted a note stating that any country interested in widening access to advanced American knowhow and technology in the artificial intelligence sector under a programme known as Pax Silica must refrain from participating in a rival Chinese initiative known as the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO).

Kazakhstan is a member of both Pax Silica and WAICO, while Uzbekistan is a signatory to the Chinese initiative while expressing keen interest in expanding cooperation with the United States in AI development. More broadly, the United States has taken steps over the past 18 months to expand economic ties with all five Central Asian states. 

Actions and statements made by Kazakh and Uzbek officials since news of the draft State Department note began circulating indicate that both states are disinclined to adhere to what amounts to an American demand.

Kazakh officials have not publicly commented on the issue of the country’s participation in both Pax Silica and WAICO, but recent developments suggest Astana is intent on maintaining close contacts with China in the AI sphere.

On August 18, experts from the countries’ respective academies of sciences agreed to jointly develop a science-focused AI platform to analyse “scientific literature and large data sets, identifying patterns, formulating and testing hypotheses, modelling complex processes, planning experiments, and predicting results,” according to a Kazakh government statement. Kazakhstan and China are also working on an AI initiative called DeepBas, which aims to develop “specialised models” enabling the more efficient management of water resources.

Exchange programmes are likewise proceeding. Kazakh engineers from the national space company recently participated in a training programme in China on using AI to analyse satellite data to improve natural disaster early warning capabilities. In addition, at a recent symposium in Almaty, Chinese and Kazakh researchers discussed AI applications in medicine and agriculture, as well as joint research and training for young AI specialists.

Uzbekistan has perhaps been more direct in addressing the brewing AI issue. Speaking at a technology forum in Tashkent on August 24, Bobur Khodjaev, an aide to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, issued what could be considered a veiled plea for the US to abandon an “us-or-them” stance on AI development. He also stated that Uzbek officials would continue to opt for the best available AI solutions, regardless of national origin. He acknowledged that American tech may be superior but also stressed that China offered more affordable options.

“As a developing country, we want to have access to all available technologies,” Gazeta.uz quoted Khodjaev as saying. “Specifically referring to the US and China, obviously American tech companies offer cutting-edge AI chips and AI models. China, in turn, offers open-source models that are significantly cheaper than American ones. And we would like to have access to both.”

“We are open to collaboration with all partners and interested parties and strive to implement artificial intelligence technologies not only in finance but in all areas of our economy,” Khodjaev added.

This article first appeared on Eurasianet here.