29 June 2026

Why the US remains ‘fragmented’ in a critical copper clash against China

South China Morning Post | Mia Nurmamat

The United States and China are engaged in a critical, albeit quieter, contest to secure copper, a metal central to advanced technology and defense systems, as part of their broader competition for leadership in AI, energy, and other strategic sectors. Washington's efforts to rebuild its domestic copper industry are directly colliding with China's established dominance in this critical global supply chain.

The article highlights the specific reasons why the US remains "fragmented" in this essential clash against China, indicating significant internal challenges in its strategic response to secure vital resources. Copper's indispensable role in advanced technological development and defense capabilities underscores the high stakes of this supply chain battle, which profoundly impacts future national security and global influence. This ongoing struggle for control over essential raw materials represents a crucial, often overlooked, dimension of the broader geopolitical rivalry between the two global powers.

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