Opinion: End China's Control Over U.S. Defense Supplies

The Hidden Weapon in China’s Arsenal

At a recent military parade in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping stood alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. His confidence was palpable, not just because of the show of military strength but due to a deeper, more strategic advantage: control over critical mineral supply chains that underpin the U.S. defense industry.

China's dominance in this area is no accident. It has been carefully built over decades, leveraging its control over essential minerals that are vital for manufacturing advanced weapons systems. According to reports, over 80,000 parts used in American military equipment rely on minerals that China controls. From fighter jets and drones to munitions and night vision goggles, the U.S. military is now at the mercy of China’s decisions regarding these resources.

This situation didn’t happen overnight. Once, the United States was a global mining powerhouse. However, poor policy choices since the end of the Cold War have eroded our industrial base, allowing China to take the lead. Today, a single U.S. weapon system can require hundreds of suppliers across dozens of countries. While the U.S. does maintain some stockpiles of critical minerals, a complete Chinese embargo could cripple military production within months.

The ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and China have only exacerbated this vulnerability. Beijing has already started limiting the flow of key minerals to Western defense contractors, driving up costs or halting production entirely. This is more than a challenge—it's a crisis that demands immediate attention.

A Growing Threat to National Security

The Trump administration recognized the urgency of this issue, but addressing China’s mineral dominance will not be an easy task. Beijing is unlikely to relinquish its control without a fight, and it continues to invest heavily in securing its position in the global mineral market.

Recent U.S. trade deals with countries like Ukraine and Indonesia have begun to focus on securing critical mineral supplies. While these efforts are promising, they are not a long-term solution. The real answer lies in America itself. The U.S. has abundant mineral resources, yet for decades, we have failed to tap into this potential.

Pursuing high-grade ores from the Democratic Republic of the Congo or nickel from Indonesia may seem like smart moves, but they do little to mitigate the risk of supply chain disruptions. Instead, the U.S. must prioritize domestic resource development.

Rebuilding the Industrial Base

A new mineral policy is beginning to take shape, but it needs to be ambitious and fast-paced. Increased use of advanced technology for mapping domestic resources is an important first step. At the same time, streamlining mine permitting processes and addressing legal delays are essential to accelerating production.

Financial support for U.S. producers is also crucial. In July, the Pentagon invested $400 million in MP Materials, the operator of the largest rare-earths mine in North America. This move included a 10-year offtake agreement, providing much-needed stability for investors. This public-private partnership should serve as a model for addressing other vulnerabilities in the U.S. mineral supply chain.

For years, the U.S. had a strong industrial base that served as a deterrent to adversaries. That strength is no longer a guarantee. Our supply chains are vulnerable, and our productive capacity is weak. This leaves us at risk of conflict. There is no time to waste in rebuilding our industrial strength—from the mines to the factories.

A Call to Action

Breaking Beijing’s grip on the world’s mineral supply chains is not just a matter of economic strategy; it is a matter of national security. American lives and global stability depend on it. The path forward requires bold action, strategic investment, and a commitment to self-reliance. Only by taking these steps can the U.S. ensure its military readiness and protect its interests in an increasingly competitive world.