Chris Barnard writes in The Hill that China is seeking to extend its monopoly on critical minerals with the help of the Taliban.
- China currently holds a monopoly on the supply of critical minerals and is leveraging Afghanistan’s resources for geopolitical purposes.
- Given the importance of rare earth minerals for our national security and energy future, the United States should look to establish a secure and reliable supply chain that is not dependent on China.
- By engaging in policies that are rooted in economic freedom, such as easing regulatory burdens for domestic mining and engaging in free trade, the United States can establish a more secure rare earth mineral supply chain.
“Ultimately, the U.S. should counteract China’s ventures in Afghanistan and the burgeoning critical minerals monopoly by going on the offensive when it comes to domestic mining, technological innovation, and non-China supply chains. America’s clean energy future should be beholden to neither the CCP nor the Taliban.”
Read the full article here.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of C3.
