These Materials Could Cripple America’s Defense Industrial Base

America's defense arsenal relies on critical materials that China can cut off at any moment, creating a severe national security vulnerability. A recent, innovative public-private partnership for rare earth minerals offers a powerful playbook for how the Pentagon can secure these vital supply chains. The strategy involves identifying the most urgent material chokepoints—like gallium, tungsten, and graphite—and using targeted interventions such as price floors and long-term purchase agreements to stimulate production. This approach focuses on building up America's own refining capabilities while hedging upstream risks by securing raw materials through strategic partnerships with allied nations.