Many Americans might not grasp that we’re currently locked in a modern Cold War with China, a war that doesn’t feature tanks or missiles but revolves around strategic dominance over critical minerals. Frank Frannon of the National Interest has highlighted how China’s control over these essential resources poses a silent yet grave threat to our national security. This issue might seem subtle, but make no mistake—unless Washington steps up quickly, we’re looking at a crisis that could severely backfire on us.
This is no mere economic rivalry; it’s a calculated assault by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to undermine and potentially supplant the United States as the foremost global power. By monopolizing the global mineral supply, China aims to undercut our technological advancements and defensive capacities without ever firing a shot.
China’s manipulation of mineral resources—from the rare earths in Inner Mongolia to the lithium deposits in Africa—is a game of geopolitical chess, not market forces. Their approach often disregards environmental standards and human rights in pursuit of broader strategic objectives. By controlling these critical materials, China is not just ensuring its dominance in the future energy market but is also strategically positioning itself to choke America’s ability to defend itself and remain technologically competitive.
President Donald Trump was one of the first to call out this looming threat during his initial term, with his concerns subsequently echoed by staunch allies like Senator Marco Rubio and Congressman Mike Waltz, who are set to play pivotal roles in the upcoming Trump administration. The Trump team started to catalog critical minerals and initiated the decoupling of our supply chains from China’s control. Unfortunately, the Biden administration’s efforts have been piecemeal, lacking the cohesive and aggressive strategy that this dire situation demands.
With Trump poised for a second term, there’s a renewed hope for a strategic pivot—an assertive policy that not only enhances domestic production and secures reliable international partnerships but also diversifies our mineral sources. It’s critical for America to move towards self-reliance, to not depend on adversarial nations for the minerals essential for our high-tech industries and national defense. We need leadership that understands the stakes and is committed to securing a future where America remains independent and strong in the face of global threats.
