Highlights

• A recent report reveals that US weapons systems have increased critical mineral usage by 23.2% annually over 15 years.
• China's control over critical mineral production poses significant risks to US military supply chains.
• SCMP's reporting on this issue occurs amid complex media ownership dynamics involving Alibaba and Chinese state interests.

A recent report highlighted (opens in a new tab) by the South China Morning Post (SCMP) underscores the United States' growing vulnerability due to China's dominance in critical minerals essential for military applications. The report reveals that over the past 15 years, the use of five key minerals in U.S. weapons systems has increased by an average of 23.2% annually. These minerals are integral to the manufacturing of military equipment across all branches of the U.S. armed forces, with the Navy's systems comprising up to 91.6% of components dependent on these materials.

China's control over the production and processing of these critical minerals poses a significant risk to the U.S. military supply chain. The report emphasizes the urgent need for the United States to develop alternative sources and supply chains to mitigate this dependency. While the information presented is factual and highlights legitimate concerns, it is essential to recognize that geopolitical narratives can influence discussions surrounding resource dominance.

Therefore, while the report brings attention to a critical issue, readers should consider the broader context and potential motivations behind such publications.

Note SCMP, the prominent English-language newspaper based in Hong Kong, is owned by Alibaba Group. Alibaba acquired SCMP in 2016, marking its most politically sensitive acquisition at the time. While Alibaba stated that the acquisition aimed to provide a more balanced portrayal of China in global media, concerns have been raised about potential editorial influence and the newspaper's independence. ​

In recent years, the Chinese government has directed Alibaba to divest its media assets, including the South China Morning Post (SCMP), as part of a broader crackdown on the public influence exerted by large tech companies. This move reflects Beijing's efforts to regain control over the power of tech companies and curtail their public influence. ​

Despite these developments, SCMP continues to operate under Alibaba's ownership, with its editorial leadership asserting a commitment to journalistic independence. However, the evolving media landscape in Hong Kong and mainland China continues to pose challenges to press freedom and editorial autonomy.​

Importantly, the Chinese government holds stakes in several of Alibaba Group's business units. In early 2024, Alibaba disclosed that more than a dozen of its entities are partially owned by Chinese state-owned enterprises or foreign sovereign wealth funds, following inquiries from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.