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U.S.-China Competition on Critical Minerals, Biotech, and Shipbuilding
I joined the “Threat Status” program hosted by the Washington Times to provide perspective on the ongoing U.S.-China competition. I discussed how recent Chinese restrictions on rare earth mineral exports could have a detrimental impact on the U.S. defense industry and how Beijing’s dominance over the processing of the materials is emerging as a key aspect of U.S.-China competition.
This competition is currently shaping our lives in fundamental ways. It is poised to shape our children’s lives in even more fundamental ways, economically, in terms of our national security and every other facet of life.
Earlier this year, I laid out the start of an aggressive strategy, including the STRATEGIC Minerals Act, to encourage the Trump Administration to collaborate with other countries and reduce America’s exposure to China. Rare earth minerals and other critical minerals are key inputs as we electrify our economy. And they are also key inputs to other important manufactured goods like defense articles. We literally cannot produce our defense goods without access to rare earth minerals.
In the interview, I also discussed my work as Chairman of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology. The Commission delivered an action plan earlier this year, with a warning that the U.S.-China competition on biotech will “define the coming century.”
Finally, I discussed the SHIPS for America Act, legislation I introduced with Senator Mark Kelly aimed at revitalizing America’s domestic shipbuilding and commercial maritime industries.
To watch the full “Threat Status” interview, click here or here. |