Greta Thunberg rejects Pax Silica

MANILA, Philippines — Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has joined calls to reject the US-led Pax Silica initiative.

Expressing support for Filipinos protesting US President Donald Trump’s scheduled visit, Thunberg stressed that “labor, land and minerals should serve the people and the planet, not fuel the wars and ambitions of imperialist powers.”

“Pax Silica is a US-led initiative to secure critical minerals and technology supply chains, but whose interests does it really serve?” Thunberg posted on TikTok.

US Ambassador Lee Lipton earlier said no Pax Silica deal will be announced during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit.

Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez said the Pax Silica deal is unlikely to be finalized during Trump’s visit.

Under the initiative, a 1,600-hectare high-tech industrial hub will be built in New Clark City in Tarlac.

Several farmers and indigenous people’s groups are opposing the project due to possible displacement.

Experts have raised concerns over potential environmental impacts.

Pax Silica aims to support artificial intelligence infrastructure, data centers and advanced semiconductor manufacturing. –  Pia Lee-Brago