China’s new restrictions on rare earth exports have raised alarms for U.S. national security and defense industries. The policy mandates special licenses for six key heavy rare earth metals, highlighting America’s dependency on Chinese supplies. Experts warn this move could escalate, affecting the Pentagon’s supply chains. While U.S. defense firms have temporary stockpiles, officials admit reserves are insufficient for long-term needs. The shift underscores vulnerabilities in American weapons manufacturing reliance on foreign materials. Original news
Category: China
Global Powers Intensify Military Space Investments Amid Growing Strategic Competition
Secure World Foundation has released a study revealing significant global investments in military space capabilities. The United States, China, and Russia are leading the way, enhancing their abilities in satellite destruction, jamming, and overall space-based warfare. Countries like Australia, France, and India are also ramping up their space defense efforts, focusing on communications, intelligence, and electronic warfare. The report emphasizes that future conflicts are likely to involve space as a key domain. As a result, nations are reorganizing their military structures to better integrate and prioritize space operations. Original news
Report Warns of China’s Rapid Advancement in Space-Based Military Capabilities
The Secure World Foundation’s 2025 Global Counterspace Capabilities report highlights China’s accelerated development of a wide range of counterspace weapons. The analysis outlines China’s focus on direct-ascent and co-orbital anti-satellite systems, directed energy weapons, electronic warfare, and rendezvous and proximity operations. These advancements are part of a sustained effort to strengthen Chinese military power in orbit. The report also notes the suspected deployment of an experimental satellite in geostationary orbit designed to conduct space-based jamming. Overall, the findings underscore growing concerns about the militarization of space and the vulnerability of orbital assets. Original news
U.S. Faces Escalating Threats from China and Russia in the Space Race
China’s and Russia’s expanding military space capabilities present serious national security risks for the United States. The Council on Foreign Relations has expressed concern that the U.S., despite deploying many smaller space assets, is falling behind. U.S. Air Force Gen. Stephen N. Whiting stated that China is advancing its counterspace technologies at a “breathtaking pace” to undermine American and Allied systems. Harrod argues that American space and defense companies must align more closely with national interests to address vulnerabilities. He stresses the urgency of winning the new space race, noting that it requires more than just visionary individuals to succeed. […]
U.S. Deploys Mid-Range Missile System in the Philippines, Drawing China’s Criticism
The U.S. Army has indefinitely stationed a Mid-Range Capability (MRC) missile system in the Philippines, strengthening its Indo-Pacific deterrence strategy. U.S. Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll emphasized the system’s effectiveness, stating, “We proved the MRC’s deterrent effect via a dynamic deployment in the Philippines and look forward to all future power projection opportunities!” Originally positioned for military drills, the deployment has been extended, prompting strong criticism from China. Meanwhile, the U.S. Army is also considering stationing its Multi-Domain Task Force—including MRC and Long-Range Hypersonic Weapons—in Japan. The move aligns with Washington’s efforts to counter China’s growing military presence in […]
China Expands Ban on U.S. Defense Firms Amid Rising Tensions
China has banned 25 more U.S.-based defense companies, further expanding its economic blacklist of American military contractors. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce stated the ban aims to protect national sovereignty and security amid escalating geopolitical tensions. Companies affected include Huntington Ingalls Industries, S3 AeroDefense, Cubic Corporation, TextOre, Exovera, and Teledyne Brown Engineering. The move follows previous bans on Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, imposed after U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. The expanded restrictions highlight China’s growing retaliation against U.S. defense policies and military partnerships. Original news
Experts Urge Faster NASA Decision-Making to Beat China to the Moon
Space policy experts have urged U.S. lawmakers to accelerate NASA’s decision-making to ensure the U.S. reaches the Moon before China. During a House Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee hearing, Scott Pace and Daniel Dumbacher called for adopting commercial sector efficiency, recommending that NASA’s next administrator present a plan within 60 days to align with White House space goals. They emphasized a Moon-first strategy, citing its strategic importance in the space race. Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) criticized former President Trump’s impact on NASA, stating the agency’s workforce was left scared, distracted, and demoralized. The discussion reflects growing concerns over China’s rapid […]
China Expands Space Ties in Africa with $50 Billion Investment
China has signed nearly 24 agreements with African nations to develop space capabilities, focusing on satellites, lunar missions, and deep-space exploration. The deals are backed by $50 billion in loans and investments, aimed at advancing Africa’s space programs while also expanding China’s global surveillance network. This has raised concerns about potential military and intelligence applications, as China gains access to valuable surveillance data. The U.S. views these projects as security risks, fearing they could strengthen China’s military coordination. The partnerships highlight China’s growing influence in Africa’s space sector amid rising geopolitical tensions. Original news
China adds 28 US entities to export control list
China has added 28 U.S. entities to its export control list, citing the need to “safeguard national security and interests,” according to the commerce ministry. Notable companies listed include Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, Boeing Defense, Space & Security, and Raytheon Missiles & Defense. The restrictions include a ban on the export of dual-use items to these firms, effective immediately. This move underscores escalating tensions between China and the U.S. in the defense and technology sectors. The decision reflects China’s strategic use of trade controls to counter perceived security threats. Original news
Pentagon Report Warns Of Vulnerable US Infrastructure
U.S. Defense Science Board report warns that adversaries like China and Russia have penetrated critical U.S. infrastructure, endangering military operations and national security. The report highlights risks of severe disruptions to military force projection and warns of potential defeat in future conflicts. It calls for urgent action to strengthen infrastructure defenses through enhanced collaboration between military and civilian sectors. Co-chaired by strategic weapons expert Miriam John and former Bechtel Group executive Judith Miller, the task force emphasizes addressing vulnerabilities in electricity, communications, and logistics. The findings underscore the critical need for resilient infrastructure to safeguard U.S. defense capabilities. Original news
Russia will abandon its unilateral missile moratorium, Lavrov says
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced that Russia will end its moratorium on deploying intermediate and shorter-range nuclear-capable missiles. This decision responds to the U.S. deployment of similar weapons worldwide, despite warnings from Russia and China. The move marks the effective demise of the INF Treaty, a Cold War-era arms control agreement, raising fears of a new arms race involving the U.S., Russia, and China. Lavrov stated that conditions for strategic dialogue with Washington on the New START treaty are currently absent. This development underscores escalating tensions and the breakdown of major arms control frameworks. Original news
Global Space Advancements Mark 2024 as a Transformative Year
The year 2024 witnessed major progress in space exploration and industry, with multiple nations bolstering their space capabilities. Europe expanded its launch options with the addition of Ariane 6 and Vega-C, while India and Japan achieved multiple successful launches. Oman celebrated its entry into space with the launch of its first suborbital rocket, and China advanced its lunar program with new partnerships and returned lunar samples. The Artemis Accords grew to 51 signatories, emphasizing global collaboration, while the EU’s adoption of the Zero Debris Charter highlighted efforts to address space sustainability. These developments underscore a rapidly growing and increasingly cooperative […]
Pentagon report: China to build 1,000 nukes by 2030
China is rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal, with the Pentagon estimating it will possess 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030, up from its current stockpile of over 600. The increase coincides with Beijing’s broader military modernization, including advancements in intercontinental ballistic missiles and the development of a robust navy and air force. Despite its growing military might, challenges such as corruption and logistical constraints hinder China’s ability to project power far from its mainland. U.S. policymakers are closely monitoring these developments, with President-elect Donald Trump planning to maintain a hard stance on China through economic and military strategies. Meanwhile, the U.S. […]
Europe’s ‘Green’ Agenda Could Be a Godsend to Russia
NATO and defense industry leaders, including BAE Systems, have expressed concerns that environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria are restricting investments in Europe’s defense sector. Admiral Rob Bauer criticized financial institutions for denying support to defense companies due to moral and ESG concerns, warning this undermines Europe’s military readiness amid rising security threats. BAE Systems and Saab highlighted that ESG restrictions hinder investment in critical skills, technologies, and innovation, while smaller supply chain businesses face even greater financial challenges. Bauer proposed reevaluating credit rating criteria, suggesting defense investments be treated with the same urgency as climate change mitigation. As Europe […]
Hypersonic Missiles at Center of New US Arms Race Against Russia and China
The United States conducted a major hypersonic missile test last week, advancing toward the first operational deployment of the weapon. The test featured the common hypersonic All Up Round (AUR) missile, a key component of the Army’s Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon system, also known as Dark Eagle, launched from Cape Canaveral. A U.S. defense official highlighted the milestone as a critical step in delivering hypersonic capabilities to warfighters and preparing for future sea-based deployments for the Navy. According to a Congressional Research Service document, the U.S. plans to deploy the Dark Eagle in Germany by 2026 as part of its Multi-Domain […]