From raw minerals to advanced weapon systems—from rock to rocket—there lies a reality: America’s military superiority increasingly depends on China. China recently tightened its grip on critical minerals essential to defense and commercial technologies by expanding its export controls to include tungsten, tellurium, and other vital materials. This action builds upon earlier restrictions introduced in 2024, targeting gallium, germanium, and antimony.
Though these minerals rarely capture national attention, they underpin crucial components of America’s defense infrastructure. They are integral to radar systems that detect threats, night-vision equipment that provides tactical advantages, and precision-guided munitions essential to modern warfare. America’s heavy reliance on Chinese suppliers for these strategic resources poses a major national security risk.
Read Govini's latest report, From Rock to Rocket, to learn more about the impact of the military's rising foreign critical mineral dependency and the scale of parts and weapons systems impacted.
