Reply #5: There's more than one kind of dependency [View All]

[jeff47]

One type is something like oil. Where there isn't enough of it in the US to sustain US demand.

The other type is something like Rare Earth Elements. Where China mines it so cheaply that US mines can't compete.

In the first scenario, if we are "cut off", we're screwed. Hence, military adventures to avoid that.
In the second scenario, if we are "cut off", we're fine. US mines can replace what China is no longer selling.