Part 5/6:
The implications of China's expanding control are far-reaching. Investment in critical minerals and raw materials outside of the United States poses a severe vulnerability. The U.S. has increasingly depended on Chinese-produced goods, leading to significant disruptions during crises—such as the COVID-19 pandemic—when supplies became limited. The loss of domestic industrial capacity presents broader risks, especially in defense and technology sectors, where America must secure its production channels more effectively.