Pax Silica won’t get Asean billing

The United States does not intend to announce the establishment of the Pax Silica Economic Security Zone in the Philippines during or after this month’s ASEAN summit, US Ambassador Lee Lipton said on Saturday, as both nations continue discussions on the planned industrial hub.

Lipton issued the clarification following media reports that Washington would announce the establishment of the zone during the 16 to 18 November summit in Manila, which US President Donald Trump is expected to attend.

“No such announcement on the Pax Silica Economic Security Zone was ever planned. Decisions will be made in full consultation with the government of the Philippines at the appropriate time. As stated previously and as part of this process, we expect rigorous discussions on impacts to all stakeholders,” Lipton said in a statement.

Malacañang on Wednesday said the Philippines was awaiting a response from the US side on the proposed framework agreement that would guide the development of the project in New Clark City, Tarlac.

No signing date

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority, which oversees the Philippine side of the project, said last week that no date has been set for signing the agreement, despite an initial target of November.

The proposed 4,000-acre industrial hub is part of the Luzon Economic Corridor and is intended to attract investments in semiconductor production, critical minerals processing, and other advanced manufacturing industries.

The Philippines joined Pax Silica, a US-led initiative to secure supply chains for artificial intelligence and semiconductor technologies, in April as its 13th member.

Washington has described the planned hub as a platform for allied manufacturing and a way to strengthen supply chains for strategic goods.