My final assignment with the CIA, as station chief in a volatile region of South Asia, centered on a single, urgent mission: identifying and neutralizing terrorist threats before they reached American soil. We operated on the razor’s edge, often alone, but also forged a crucial partnership with the host nation’s intelligence agency. Despite disagreements, a robust exchange of information and collaborative operations became our standard practice.
One operation stands out vividly. We pinpointed the location of a high-value al Qaeda operative, a name prominently featured on the FBI’s Most Wanted list for orchestrating planned attacks. Sharing this sensitive intelligence with our allies, we watched as their military executed a precise raid, culminating in a firefight that eliminated the terrorist.
That experience solidified a critical lesson: allies aren’t simply helpful, they are a force multiplier in the relentless pursuit of national security. Their capabilities, combined with our own, create a defense far stronger than either could achieve independently.
Today, a similar strategy is being employed, not against terrorists, but against a different kind of threat – the economic leverage wielded by a single nation. The focus has shifted to securing vital supply chains for critical minerals and reducing dependence on Communist China, the world’s dominant player in rare earth mining and processing.
China has repeatedly demonstrated a willingness to weaponize its control over these resources, using export restrictions as a form of economic coercion against those who challenge its interests. This isn’t merely about trade; it’s about national security, as rare earth minerals are indispensable for manufacturing semiconductors, advanced motors, and even the fighter jets that defend our skies.
China’s tactics are brazenly unfair, flooding the global market with artificially cheap rare earths to bankrupt competitors and establish a permanent monopoly. This deliberate overproduction and predatory pricing are hallmarks of their approach to strategic materials.
Recognizing this danger, a new approach is underway. Just as we partnered to combat terrorism, a network of alliances is being forged to counter China’s economic dominance. A recent $8-billion deal with Australia, securing a reliable source of rare earth minerals, is a prime example.
This strategy extends beyond rare earths. Recognizing China’s stranglehold on polysilicon – a crucial component in microchips – the focus has turned to diversifying supply. A significant portion of our polysilicon imports now come from Germany, a trusted NATO ally, mitigating the risks associated with China’s state-subsidized overproduction.
The ancient wisdom of Sun Tzu rings true: “If an enemy has alliances, the problem is grave and the enemy’s position strong.” The United States is actively building a global network of partners, strengthening our position and safeguarding our national security against economic aggression.
Dictators thrive on division and weakness. By uniting with commercial partners, the U.S. projects strength and resilience, protecting the internationally recognized borders, freedom of navigation, and free trade that underpin both our economy and global stability.
