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China's Rare Earth Monopoly Threatens US National Security

September 18, 2026

1 min read

Key Takeaways

China has a near-monopoly on rare earths critical to US defense.
US missile defense interceptors are depleted to historic lows.
Rare earths are necessary for producing key defense systems.
China's leverage may limit US ability to impose sanctions.

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Strategic Implications

China's control over rare earths may indicate a significant vulnerability in the US defense supply chain, which could limit the US's ability to respond to security threats. This situation suggests that the US may need to diversify its rare earth sources or develop alternative technologies to reduce its dependence on China.

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What Happened

Beijing Holds Critical Defense Supply Chain Leverage Over Washington

The US is facing a critical shortage of missile defense interceptors due to its dependence on China for rare earths, according to a former State Department official. The depletion of these interceptors has exposed China’s ‘stranglehold’ on US national security, as the country relies heavily on Chinese imports of rare earths like samarium and dysprosium. The US is taking steps to break its dependence on China, but the process is expected to take years. This situation was reported by AOL.

Source | Originally Published: September 18, 2026

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