US-Led Pax Silica Coalition Expands to Include Philippines

The United States formed the Pax Silica coalition in December 2025 to address China's dominance in tech manufacturing, particularly in computing components, chips, and rare earth materials. China controls 90% of rare earth refining used for advanced chips and implemented rare earth controls in 2025 in response to U.S. tariffs.

The original nine members are the United States, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, United Kingdom, Israel, United Arab Emirates, and Australia. Finland, Sweden, Qatar, and India joined later, followed by the Philippines in April 2026.

provides chemicals for extreme ultraviolet lithography machines and silicon wafers, with companies such as JSR, Shin-Etsu, and Tokuyama leading in these areas. Japan reduced its rare earth dependence on China from 90% to 60% by 2025 after a 2010 embargo.

South Korea contributes through Samsung and SK Hynix, which are among the top producers of computer memory alongside U.S.-based Micron Technologies. Singapore produces 10% of the world's chips and 20% of semiconductor equipment, with 1.4 gigawatts of data center capacity.

Australia supplies rare earths through Lynas Rare Earths, the largest producer outside China. Taiwan and the Netherlands, though not official members, participated in the December 2025 summit. Taiwan manufactures advanced semiconductors, and the Netherlands is home to ASML, which produces lithography equipment.

” An expert from the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney said the initiative reflects U.S. recognition that it cannot lead in AI alone.

The Philippines specializes in chip assembly, testing, and packaging, with semiconductors accounting for over half of its merchandise exports. Electronic exports reached $46 billion in 2022, $41.9 billion in 2023, and $39.1 billion in 2024. The Department of Information and Communications Technology has promoted data center development.

The build-out of data centers in times of conflict carry risks. At the start of the war, Iran targeted Amazon data centers in the UAE in attempts to cripple digital operations. India's inclusion aims to promote U.S. technology and reduce reliance on Chinese chips, which make up 30% of India's imports.