U.S. Deepens Reliance on China Rare Earths After Firing Half Its Stealth Cruise Missiles at Iran
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 13
U.S. Deepens Reliance on China Rare Earths After Firing Half Its Stealth Cruise Missiles at Iran
7 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 13
Around half of U.S. long-range stealth cruise missiles were used after the Iran war began in late February, forcing a stockpile rebuild that depends on rare-earth minerals and magnets largely sourced from China.
China dominates those supply chains and has tightened export controls over the past year, targeting foreign companies linked to militaries and using the restrictions as leverage in disputes with Washington.
The Pentagon and Congress also estimate the U.S. fired roughly 10 times the number of Tomahawk missiles it buys annually, sharpening concerns about how quickly defense contractors can replenish inventories.
Beijing talks this week are expected to touch both Iran and minerals, as Washington seeks Chinese help on negotiations while the munitions drawdown also raises questions about U.S. readiness for other contingencies, including Taiwan.
After aiding Iran's military, will China now sell the U.S. the minerals it needs to replenish its arsenal?
Can America's plan to reshore production outpace China's leverage over its depleted missile stockpiles?