Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 9 hours ago
Why does the United States rely on China for critical minerals and what are the economic and security implications of this interdependence? From fighter jets to fridges, critical minerals are everywhere, shaping the global economy and our daily lives. Today, China dominates many points along critical mineral supply chains, such as mining and refining, following decades of intentional industrial policy. After years of relying on Chinese companies for these vital inputs, the United States has grown uncomfortable with its dependence on China for critical minerals. This economic chokehold became evident when Washington imposed tariffs and advanced chip export controls on China, causing Beijing to restrict rare earth exports to the United States – jeopardizing economic stability and galvanizing U.S. efforts to build up alternative, China-free supply chains. How realistic is completely decoupling critical mineral dependence from China?
Cory Combs joined us on July 23, 2026, to discuss the reasons behind and implications of the United States’ critical mineral chokepoints with China.
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NCUSCR fosters U.S.-China communication and exchange in support of productive bilateral relations and U.S. interests. Learn more: ncuscr.org/about.
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► Support our mission to promote understanding and cooperation between the United States and China: secure.givelively.org/donate/ncuscr/promote-engagement
Why does the United States rely on China for critical minerals and what are the economic and security implications of this interdependence? From fighter jets to fridges, critical minerals are everywhere, shaping the global economy and our daily lives. Today, China dominates many points along critical mineral supply chains, such as mining and refining, following decades of intentional industrial policy. After years of relying on Chinese companies for these vital inputs, the United States has grown uncomfortable with its dependence on China for critical minerals. This economic chokehold became evident when Washington imposed tariffs and advanced chip export controls on China, causing Beijing to restrict rare earth exports to the United States – jeopardizing economic stability and galvanizing U.S. efforts to build up alternative, China-free supply chains. How realistic is completely decoupling critical mineral dependence from China?
Cory Combs joined us on July 23, 2026, to discuss the reasons behind and implications of the United States’ critical mineral chokepoints with China.
_____________________________________________
NCUSCR fosters U.S.-China communication and exchange in support of productive bilateral relations and U.S. interests. Learn more: ncuscr.org/about.
► Subscribe to our channel: ncuscr.video/subscribe-youtube
► Check out the rest of our videos and podcasts here: ncuscr.org/media
► Follow @NCUSCR on Twitter: twitter.com/ncuscr
► Facebook: facebook.com/NCUSCR
► Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/ncuscr
► Instagram: instagram.com/ncuscr
► TikTok: tiktok.com/@ncuscr1966
► Weibo: weibo.com/ncuscr
► Visit our website for the latest information on our upcoming events, programs, digital content, and more: ncuscr.org
► Support our mission to promote understanding and cooperation between the United States and China: secure.givelively.org/donate/ncuscr/promote-engagement
