How US Defense Industry Dodged a Rare-Earth Shortage After China’s Curbs
Strategic competition with Beijing demands clarity on American commitments and economic leverage.
Tomahawk missiles are coveted by militaries around the world because they can hit a target 1,000 miles away. That accuracy is possible because their fins use powerful magnets made of samarium — a rare-earth metal that can tolerate high heat.
When China put restrictions on some rare-earth exports this year, it cut off the supply [...]The post How US Defense Industry Dodged a Rare-Earth Shortage After China’s Curbs appeared first on GV Wire.
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Gv WireHow We See It
New Republican Times Editorial Board
How We See It: Rare-Earth Resources and National Security
The recent analysis of the U.S. defense industry's nimble response to potential rare-earth shortages overlooks a critical point: the implications of our reliance on foreign sources, particularly China. While it's commendable that the U.S. adapted quickly, framing this as a mere supply issue downplays the national security risks inherent in such dependence.
By failing to confront the strategic vulnerabilities associated with rare-earth minerals, the discussion misses a vital conservative principle: institutional stability. Securing our supply chains for critical defense components is not just about immediate responses; it’s about establishing a robust framework that safeguards American interests against adversarial maneuvers.
In the larger context of public trust and the rule of law, policymakers must address long-term strategies to reduce reliance on foreign supplies. Only then can we ensure that our defense capabilities remain strong and secure in an unpredictable world.
Commentary written with AI assistance by the New Republican Times Editorial Board.