Pentagon poised to report on US military’s dependence on China and other foreign suppliers
A review aiming to lessen the military’s reliance on foreign suppliers will pay special attention to Chinese firms
A Pentagon-led review ordered has identified hundreds of instances in which the US military depends on foreign countries, especially China, for critical materials, US officials said.
The study, ordered by US President Donald Trump and expected to be released in the coming weeks, aims to lessen the US military’s reliance on foreign countries and strengthen US industry.
Among the study’s conclusions, the officials said on condition of anonymity, will be a determination that the United States is too dependent on foreign suppliers for a range of items including some micro-electronics – tiny components including integrated circuits and transistors.
These kinds of essential components are embedded in advanced electronics used in everything from satellites and cruise missiles to drones and cellphones.
The focus on China reflects an effort under Trump to address the risks to US national security from Beijing’s growing military and economic influence.