How the US Aims to Strengthen AI and Tech Alliances Against China: Key Insights from New Legislation

Bipartisan U.S. senators are advancing legislation to counter the overseas spread of China’s AI technology. The proposal centers on helping allied countries more easily adopt U.S.-made AI systems and semiconductors.

According to Reuters, Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts plan to unveil the bipartisan bill on May 19 (local time). The measure would establish a dedicated office within the State Department to support allied governments’ purchases of American technology.

The bill aims to broaden the overseas supply of strategic technologies — including U.S. AI models, semiconductors, communications equipment, cybersecurity tools, biotechnology, and cloud systems. It would streamline allies’ procurement procedures and create a $500 million (approximately 750 billion KRW) fund to subsidize the cost of acquiring U.S. technology.

The legislative push aligns with the Trump administration’s “Pax Silica” strategy, which seeks to reduce dependence on China and build a technology ecosystem centered on the United States and its allies by securing critical minerals and AI supply chains.

Sen. Shaheen said in a statement, “Competition with China will come down to how effectively we develop future technologies and share them with our allies. This bill sends a message to the world that the United States can offer better choices in the technology competition.”

Sen. Ricketts added, “Unlike the Chinese Communist Party, American technology is proven, trustworthy, and secure. This bill will reduce vulnerabilities that hostile states could exploit and strengthen the technological edge of the U.S. and its allies.”

The move comes as China accelerates efforts to expand its global infrastructure and technological influence. Griffith University and the Green Finance & Development Center report that China invested a record $213 billion (approximately 321 trillion KRW) in its Belt and Road Initiative last year.

Launched by President Xi Jinping in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative now links more than 150 countries and international organizations, aiming to expand trade, secure supply chains, and increase geopolitical influence.

U.S. lawmakers contend that China is extending its influence in developing and emerging markets through AI and digital infrastructure. They view this bill as more than a program to support technology exports; they see it as a strategic effort to assert leadership in the global AI ecosystem.

By Chan Park cpark@aitimes.com