A senior US State Department official has indicated that Washington wants to deepen ties with Japan and other countries to bolster supply chains of semiconductors and critical minerals, in view of China's increasing presence in the field of AI.
Under Secretary for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg, who is in charge of economic security, was speaking in an interview with NHK on Friday.
Helberg is leading the Pax Silica initiative -- a new framework for multilateral cooperation to secure supplies of semiconductors, critical minerals and other items essential for AI development. The framework was inaugurated in December, involving allies and partners of the United States, including Japan.
He said, "It's not a secret that Chinese technologies are ripe with parameters that pose serious national security threats to the US."
Helberg pointed to "three main axes that are required to win the AI race" -- innovation, market share and supply chains. He said he believes the US is leading in innovation and market share, and that it is working "very assiduously to secure our supply chains."
Helberg expressed US hopes to closely coordinate with Japan, South Korea and other countries on the issue of supply chains. He said, "Japan is home to companies that have very advanced capabilities with certain proprietary chemicals necessary for the refining process" of critical minerals.

Quiz 1:
According to the article, what is the primary reason the US wants to deepen ties with Japan and other countries?
A. To encourage Japanese technological innovation in AI.
B. To bolster supply chains of semiconductors and critical minerals amid China’s rising influence in AI.
C. To establish joint military exercises with Japan.
D. To increase tourism between the US and Japan.

Quiz 2:
What is the Pax Silica initiative?
A. A trade agreement between the US, Japan, and South Korea.
B. A military defense pact against Chinese aggression.
C. A new framework for multilateral cooperation to secure supplies of semiconductors, critical minerals, and other essential items for AI development.
D. A program to promote Japanese cultural exports to the United States.

Quiz 3:
According to Jacob Helberg, what are the “three main axes that are required to win the AI race”?
A. Innovation, market share, and supply chains.
B. Military strength, economic stability, and diplomatic relations.
C. Technological advancement, geographical dominance, and population size.
D. Cybersecurity, data privacy, and international cooperation.

[Answer block]
Answers:
Quiz 1: B
Quiz 2: C
Quiz 3: A