Part 9/11:
Western nations, especially the US and Europe, have been caught off guard by their reliance on Chinese manufacturing and supply chains. The reliance on Chinese rare earths and minerals crucial for military hardware has compromised Western military readiness. Meanwhile, China's support for Russia and its military exercises near Taiwan signal a broader effort to weaken US influence and prepare for potential conflicts in Asia.
European countries, facing shortages of ammunition and advanced weaponry, are increasingly vulnerable. The war in Ukraine and China's military assertiveness reveal an urgent need for strategic recalibration. Critics argue that mistakes in dependency and complacency have weakened Western deterrence.