Pentagon Initiates $1 Billion Critical Minerals Stockpile to Counter China

The Pentagon plans to acquire up to $1 billion worth of critical minerals to reduce US dependence on China, especially following China's export restrictions on rare earths and other metals crucial for defense and technology industries. This move is part of a broader strategy supported by the Trump administration's legislation to bolster domestic supply chains and stockpiles, including metals like cobalt, antimony, tantalum, and scandium, and potentially seabed minerals, aiming to safeguard against supply disruptions during geopolitical tensions.