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The potential for China to exert influence over American energy policies might manifest through unexpected lobbying from newly-formed environmental organizations. If small companies begin pushing anti-mining or anti-fossil fuel agendas, these could serve as conduits for Chinese objectives to secure dominance over the eventual market for rare earth minerals.
5. VPN Crackdown
A crackdown on VPN usage within China could signal rising tensions. While the Chinese government already regulates VPNs, further restrictions indicate an attempt to manage communication and suppress dissent as war approaches. Such actions would be a clear indicator that the government anticipates heightened internal scrutiny.