A proposed high-tech hub in the Philippines, pitched by US and Philippine officials as a global gateway for artificial intelligence and critical minerals, is facing sharp criticism from local advocates who describe the project as mineral plunder.
The 1,620-hectare site north of Manila is central to the Pax Silica initiative, a US-led coalition aimed at securing supply chains for semiconductors and key resources.
Critics argue that the plan reflects a broader insincerity in addressing the concerns of affected communities, framing the development as an extraction effort rather than a genuine partnership.
The backlash highlights the growing tension between geopolitical supply chain security and local socio-environmental rights in Southeast Asia.
The European Commission and Greece have recently joined Pax Silica, signaling a deepening commitment from allied nations to diversify critical mineral sources away from traditional suppliers.
This expansion underscores the strategic importance of the Philippines in the global race for AI infrastructure components.