Outlaw Yogi wrote:China sells its junk to pretty much everyone, so while I'm sure U$A supports a large chunk of their economy, I'm doubtful they are "completely dependent upon" the American consumer.Warrior wrote: The Chinese Economy is completely dependent upon it's export profits from export sales to the U.S.
Close, but not perfect. Several years ago the Pentagon admonished the US govt for a strategic blunder in allowing China to have a monopoly on neodymium.Warrior wrote: ... and the thing is NOTHING that we get from China is necessary.
Neodymium is a rare earth (that the Yanks discovered) and is required for the currently strong permanent magnets [neodymium, iron, boron alloy].
These magnets are what allows much of our current technology to function properly - even in jet engines.
At the time (of Pentagon's complaint) China had all the neodymium mines on Earth. So the US govt reopened one in California which greenies had shut down due to a previous contamination mishap.
So while the US is not dependent on China for neodymium, the US still gets most of this stuff for its magnets from China.
Hopefully someone will have a word in Trump's ear, because if/when projectiles are exchanged or a trade war gets going, U$A will need to reopen numerous rare earth mines for itself and strategic allies.
Very nice post Yogi.
Warrior.