China (Washington Insider Magazine)—China’s stranglehold on U.S. defense supply chains is a growing national security concern. Despite recognizing vulnerabilities in the Pentagon’s supply network, solutions remain limited, particularly in the face of mounting threats, including from China. U.S. military platforms and weapons are heavily dependent on China-based suppliers and companies in Taiwan, which could be blocked during a crisis.
To mitigate this risk, the Pentagon must prioritize resiliency over independence. This involves building up inventory, cultivating new suppliers, and redesigning critical munitions, particularly those necessary for Indo-Pacific operations. Comprehensive assessments of supply chain dependencies, including China and Taiwan, must be conducted and remediated.
The Pentagon also needs to overhaul its approach to supply chain vulnerabilities, shifting focus from individual components to entire systems, such as fighter jets. By requiring bottom-up analysis across critical munitions and platforms, the U.S. can proactively identify and address risks before they impact military readiness.
Finally, as with past wartime efforts, the creation of a dedicated agency, such as the Federal Acquisition Security Council, can centralize and streamline efforts to reduce defense supply chain vulnerabilities. These measures should be prioritized in upcoming defense budgets, executive orders, or emergency bills.
Without breaking China’s chokehold on U.S. defense supply chains, the U.S. risks compromising its ability to deter or engage in long-term conflicts, particularly with China or in support of Taiwan.
