The Congo Standoff
Chinese mining companies dominate the Congo’s critical mineral production, but an ongoing, nasty dispute at a cobalt mine shows the country is starting to drive...
Powering Utah, with China’s Help
Even the new poster-child for domestic energy innovation relies on critical inputs from China.
Mining Lithium and Money
A look at Tianqi Lithium, which just netted $1.7 billion at its IPO.
Iron Promise
Iron ore is an unassuming rock, but it's processed into steel, the scaffolding of the modern world. China has long been reliant on Australia for this...
Crisis of Confidence
Brands have long relied on social auditing companies to monitor their supply chains in China. But between the industry’s own flaws and a changing political...
What China Needs
A look at where China is playing technological catch-up, according to Beijing.
The Semiconductor Effect
Chinese acquisition of even a small British chip-maker now warrants international pressure.
Fentanyl’s New Flow
After years of U.S. pressure, Beijing finally banned fentanyl in 2019. Many celebrated the announcement, thinking it would help turn the tide in America's deadly...
Darren Byler on Terror Capitalism and Digital Control in Xinjiang
The scholar talks about conducting research on Xinjiang; the ‘dataveillance’ and ‘smart factory’ system in place there; and the tech breakthroughs that have come out...
Solar Suppliers
A look at the current leaders of the solar manufacturing race: who they are, how they got so big, and their prospects of staying at...
Critical Minerals, in Context
A breakdown of which, and how much, of these minerals are needed in different green technologies, and how that relates to the global supply.
The Chip Champion?
Determined to keep China locked out of the chip supply chain, the U.S. government is doubling down on efforts to reshore advanced semiconductor manufacturing. But...