The United States heavily relies on China for rare earth minerals. Minerals such as lithium and titanium are used to build weaponry and technology alike. The necessity of these resources mean that trade and global relations with China important to be maintained. Sharon Burke, senior advisor at New America, says that it’s important to think about the bigger picture.
“We’re competing for the future of Australia. And if you look at public opinion polls in Australia, the younger generation sees their future with China,” Burke said. “So, we should not be complacent. Great power competition is not just about the military and about weapons. It’s about our economies, it’s about our friends, it’s about our allies and our partners, and we should be playing to win.”
