Norway has officially joined the US-led “Pax Silica” initiative, expanding an international coalition focused on securing supply chains for artificial intelligence technologies, semiconductors, and critical minerals amid rising geopolitical competition with China.
The Nordic nation is set to formally sign the initiative this week, becoming the latest member of a growing alliance aimed at strengthening cooperation among trusted partners in advanced technology, energy infrastructure, and mineral processing. The move is part of a broader US strategy to reduce dependence on Chinese-controlled supply chains in sectors considered vital for AI and future industrial growth.
Norway brings significant strategic value to the coalition due to its vast sovereign wealth fund, strong renewable energy sector, and reserves of critical minerals essential for semiconductor production, electric vehicles, and AI infrastructure. US officials described Norway’s institutional investment capacity and mineral resources as important assets for the initiative’s long-term goals.
Norwegian Trade and Industry Minister Cecilie Myrseth said the partnership could provide Norwegian companies with deeper access to advanced technological value chains and strengthen ties with allied economies working on next-generation technologies.
Launched in late 2025 by the US Department of State, Pax Silica focuses on building resilient and secure supply networks spanning semiconductors, AI computing systems, logistics, rare earth minerals, and energy infrastructure. The initiative has rapidly expanded to include countries across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East as governments seek alternatives to China-dominated mineral and manufacturing ecosystems.
Analysts say Norway’s inclusion highlights the growing global race to secure access to critical minerals and AI-related industrial capacity. Western governments are increasingly prioritizing economic security and technology independence as artificial intelligence becomes central to global economic and military competition.