NATO Draws Warning Over Chinese Minerals Overreliance
Military personnel stand guard as a rafale fighter jet takes off during a NATO military exercise off the coast of the Greek island of Crete on April 27.
Photographer: Angelos Tzortzinis/AFP/Getty ImagesThe US and Europe need to move quickly on concrete projects that diversify military supply chains away from an over-dependence on Chinese critical minerals, according to senior officials from a NATO country.
Failing to do so would make plans agreed by NATO members to increase defense spending vulnerable by allowing Beijing to retain a strategic advantage and the ability to deny essential supplies, the officials said on condition of anonymity to discuss private assessments.