US Media: Middle East War Depletes US Military Weapons, Reconstruction May Be Subject to China
The Middle East war has increased demand for gallium, a critical component in US radar and interception systems, which China almost entirely monopolizes. This situation strengthens China's leverage in trade negotiations with the US, especially ahead of Trump's anticipated visit to China. Other rare earth metals crucial for missile targeting systems are also controlled by China, further enhancing its negotiating position.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 10, 2026 at 14:51
- 🔍 Collected: April 10, 2026 at 15:00 (9 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 15, 2026 at 18:27 (123h 27m after Collected)
In just over a month of war, Iran has targeted several US radar units deployed in the Middle East. These radars are advanced defensive weapons used to detect and shoot down incoming missiles and drones.
Military experts believe that many of these radars, even if not destroyed, have been damaged. A key component of these interception systems is gallium, a critical mineral also used in other high-tech products such as semiconductors.
China almost completely monopolizes the processing of gallium, and Beijing has demonstrated its willingness to restrict gallium exports. The increased US demand for gallium to rebuild its interception systems will only strengthen Beijing's leverage in the upcoming summit between US President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
After the US-China agreement on October 30 last year, gallium prices briefly fell but have risen by 32% in the past month. The negotiations at that time were partly due to China's near-complete control over the processing of critical minerals like gallium, and its use of this influence to cut off supplies, forcing the US to the negotiating table.
If US demand for critical minerals increases as it tries to replenish its weapons stockpiles, it will only further enhance China's negotiating position.
Former US Trade Representative (USTR) negotiator Wendy Cutler said: "Once you look like a party in need, with something you want, then in the current relationship, the other party will smell leverage, right? ... Therefore, (Beijing) can raise their demands."
In addition to being used in a range of consumer products, including semiconductors, electric vehicles, wind turbines, and smartphone and laptop chargers, critical minerals are also key components of US weapon systems and other defense technologies.
Not only do interceptors rely on gallium for precise threat detection, but other heavy rare earth metals such as terbium and dysprosium are also critical components of missile targeting systems. China controls over 90% of the processing of heavy rare earth metals.
According to The New York Times, in the early stages of this war, Iran launched attacks on seven US military bases, targeting communication and radar systems.
Analysis by the Payne Institute for Public Policy at the Colorado School of Mines points out that weakening these systems forces the US and its allies to fire more missiles to counter incoming threats, sometimes requiring 10 to 11 interceptors to shoot down one missile, which rapidly depletes US stockpiles.
POLITICO notes that it remains to be seen whether China will seek to use the new leverage gained from the Middle East war to its own advantage.
Ahead of Trump's expected visit to China in mid-May, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated that relations between the two countries are currently stable. China, seeking Trump's predictability, may not want to disrupt this balance.
Derek Scissors, chief economist at China Beige Book, which studies the Chinese economy, said: "I don't see any reason for them to disrupt the status quo. Things are going well. We are alienating our allies, which is a high priority for China internationally. So why mess with it for a little leverage?" (Compiled by Li Peishan) 1150410
Military experts believe that many of these radars, even if not destroyed, have been damaged. A key component of these interception systems is gallium, a critical mineral also used in other high-tech products such as semiconductors.
China almost completely monopolizes the processing of gallium, and Beijing has demonstrated its willingness to restrict gallium exports. The increased US demand for gallium to rebuild its interception systems will only strengthen Beijing's leverage in the upcoming summit between US President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
After the US-China agreement on October 30 last year, gallium prices briefly fell but have risen by 32% in the past month. The negotiations at that time were partly due to China's near-complete control over the processing of critical minerals like gallium, and its use of this influence to cut off supplies, forcing the US to the negotiating table.
If US demand for critical minerals increases as it tries to replenish its weapons stockpiles, it will only further enhance China's negotiating position.
Former US Trade Representative (USTR) negotiator Wendy Cutler said: "Once you look like a party in need, with something you want, then in the current relationship, the other party will smell leverage, right? ... Therefore, (Beijing) can raise their demands."
In addition to being used in a range of consumer products, including semiconductors, electric vehicles, wind turbines, and smartphone and laptop chargers, critical minerals are also key components of US weapon systems and other defense technologies.
Not only do interceptors rely on gallium for precise threat detection, but other heavy rare earth metals such as terbium and dysprosium are also critical components of missile targeting systems. China controls over 90% of the processing of heavy rare earth metals.
According to The New York Times, in the early stages of this war, Iran launched attacks on seven US military bases, targeting communication and radar systems.
Analysis by the Payne Institute for Public Policy at the Colorado School of Mines points out that weakening these systems forces the US and its allies to fire more missiles to counter incoming threats, sometimes requiring 10 to 11 interceptors to shoot down one missile, which rapidly depletes US stockpiles.
POLITICO notes that it remains to be seen whether China will seek to use the new leverage gained from the Middle East war to its own advantage.
Ahead of Trump's expected visit to China in mid-May, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated that relations between the two countries are currently stable. China, seeking Trump's predictability, may not want to disrupt this balance.
Derek Scissors, chief economist at China Beige Book, which studies the Chinese economy, said: "I don't see any reason for them to disrupt the status quo. Things are going well. We are alienating our allies, which is a high priority for China internationally. So why mess with it for a little leverage?" (Compiled by Li Peishan) 1150410
FAQ
How does China's control over gallium affect US military capabilities in 2024?
China's near-monopoly on gallium, essential for US radar systems, limits US military production during heightened Middle East conflicts.
Why is gallium supply critical for the US Patriot missile system in 2024?
Gallium is a key component in radar and interception systems like those used in the US Patriot missiles, which are in high demand during the Middle East war.
What role does China's rare earth monopoly play in US defense planning as of 2024?
China's control over rare earth metals, including gallium, disrupts US defense supply chains and impacts military readiness during ongoing conflicts.
How might Trump's anticipated 2024 visit to China relate to gallium trade negotiations?
Trump's expected 2024 visit to China could involve negotiations on gallium and rare earth exports critical to US defense systems.
Which specific US missile targeting systems rely on Chinese-controlled rare earth metals in 2024?
US missile targeting systems, including those in the Patriot and THAAD systems, depend on Chinese-controlled rare earth elements like gallium.