China’s growing investment in deep-sea mining poses strategic challenges to U.S. defense and national security by threatening to shift control of critical mineral supply chains away from the U.S. and toward the PRC. Through research collaborations with Pacific Island Countries, China is expanding diplomatic and defense partnerships near key U.S. assets, bolstering its presence in Oceania. Its deep-sea mining vessels, while mapping contracted areas, also have the potential for dual-use surveillance of U.S. military activities and interference with civilian infrastructure. Coupled with technological advancements and strategic partnerships, these efforts aim to secure China’s dominance in the emerging deep-sea mining industry, giving it leverage to undercut U.S. access to defense-critical minerals.
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