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

As Singapore 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.”

Josephine Teo, Singapore’s Minister for Digital Development and Information, speaking at a technology conference in Singapore in May. Photo: HandoutThe 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.