Tel Aviv: China, a strong supporter of Iran, is anticipated to make a decision shortly over its response to the US strike on Iranian nuclear facilities. One possibility is strict restrictions on the export of minerals used by the US defence sector, which provides Israel with several vital systems.
For vital minerals needed for the development and functioning of cutting-edge weaponry, the US is mostly dependent on China. From raw materials to processed goods and specialised parts like magnets, this dependence spans the whole supply chain, making US supply chain security and military readiness susceptible to Chinese export restrictions and geopolitical unrest.
The US defence sector relies on critical minerals such as rare earth elements (REEs), gallium, germanium, antimony, tungsten, and others for advanced weapon systems including precision-guided missiles, fighter jets, naval vessels, and radar systems. These minerals are often irreplaceable in their applications.
China controls more than 90% of global processing and refining of rare earths, and holds a near-monopoly on the production of several key minerals. For example, China produces 98.8% of the world’s refined gallium and 100% of the world’s samarium supply, both crucial for military-grade magnets and electronics.
Experts say that over 78% of US military weapon systems are potentially vulnerable to disruptions in Chinese mineral supply chains. The Department of Defense relies on Chinese-linked supply chains for components used in 1,900 weapon systems, encompassing over 80,000 individual parts.
US fighter jets, missiles, drones, and other advanced systems depend on rare earth magnets (such as samarium-cobalt and neodymium magnets) that are almost exclusively sourced from China. The US currently lacks the capability to produce high-performance rare earth magnets domestically.
In recent years, China has imposed export controls and licensing requirements on several critical minerals, including gallium, germanium, antimony, and multiple rare earth elements. These measures have already led to supply disruptions and price increases for US defence manufacturers.
China has used its mineral dominance as a negotiating tool in trade disputes and as a means to exert pressure on the US and its allies. The risk of further restrictions or embargoes remains a significant concern for US national security.
While the Pentagon has invested in developing domestic supply chains and refining capabilities, progress has been slow and insufficient to offset current dependence.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
