In recent years, U.S. military strategy has quietly shifted, especially in the face of China's growing military influence. The United States is no longer just concerned about the supply chain of high-end weapons, but also about the production of the most basic ammunition.
In an op-ed in the well-known American defense media Breakthrough Defense, retired Major General James Marks stressed the importance of domestic nitrocellulose production in the United States to meet the military needs of the United States and called on the US Congress to support a plan to ensure the supply of critical components for American ammunition.
U.S. military ammunition supply chain issues
Marks noted that in the past, when an American soldier faced an enemy on the battlefield, the last thing they had to worry about was whether the ammunition would work properly.
However, the ability of the United States to acquire critical components of munitions has been severely challenged by the relocation of manufacturing, the extension of supply chains, and the strategic manipulation of foreign adversaries. Particularly acute is the shortage of nitrocellulose, a key material used in the manufacture of gunpowder and ammunition propellants.
According to it, China has become the world's largest producer of cotton wool. Ammunition stockpiles in Western countries are already showing shortages, but China still maintains a production advantage.
According to the Financial Times, China's nitrocellulose exports nearly doubled last year, from $3.4 million in 2022 to $7.18 million in the first 10 months of 2023.
According to Max, in order to cope with this situation, American decision-makers must prioritize the production of nitrocellulose and the supply of ammunition imports.
This year, Senator Jim Risch of Idaho and Rep. Tom Emmer of Minnesota introduced the Ammunition Supply Chain Act. The bill, which requires the executive branch to report to Congress on the supply of smokeless gunpowder in the country, including nitrocellulose production capacity, is the first step in understanding U.S. production capacity and enhancing its production.
Marks also noted that in addition to increasing domestic production, the United States also needs to strengthen export controls. The Biden administration has tightened export controls on nitrocellulose, and the Treasury Department announced a new round of sanctions in December aimed at "tightening" controls on third countries that provide support to Russia's military-industrial base. However, defense alone is not enough, and the United States needs to be proactive to ensure its dominance in the supply chain.
I think it's enough to see China's dominant position in the global supply chain from Max's point of view. This is not only a reflection of China's manufacturing capacity, but also a reflection of China's influence on the international stage. In the face of the U.S. response, we need to take precautions to ensure that the mainland has its own production capacity in key military supplies and is not constrained by other countries. At the same time, it is also necessary to actively promote international cooperation and dialogue, reduce the possibility of military conflict, and achieve genuine peace and development.
The shift in U.S. military strategy and its implications
The United States has long maintained a global leadership position in the military field, not only thanks to its advanced weaponry and huge military spending, but also thanks to its stable ammunition supply chain. However, with the extension of global supply chains and the relocation of manufacturing, the U.S. ammunition supply chain is facing unprecedented challenges. One such thing is the shortage of nitrocellulose, a key material that relies on the international market, especially China's production advantages.
Nitrocellulose is a key military raw material used in the manufacture of gunpowder and ammunition propellants. Controlling the production of nitrocellulose means having a strategic advantage in the supply of military materiel. China's production capacity and market share in this area make it occupy an important position in the international military supply chain. This not only enhances China's international influence, but also provides China with a powerful bargaining chip in the geopolitical game.
The facts of the Russia-Ukraine conflict remind us that the importance of controlling the supply chain of critical military supplies cannot be overlooked. For the United States, the shortage of nitrocellulose has exposed the fragility of its supply chain, forcing it to ramp up domestic productivity and strengthen supply chain security.
The U.S. response strategy mainly includes two aspects: one is to increase domestic production of nitrocellulose, and the other is to strengthen export controls on key military materials. The Ammunition Supply Chain Act is the first step in the United States to increase its domestic production capacity, and aims to understand the domestic production of smokeless gunpowder and develop corresponding enhancement measures. At the same time, the Biden administration has also tightened export controls on nitrocellulose, trying to protect its own military advantage by restricting supplies from other countries.
For China, these U.S. responses are also a "reference" for us to a certain extent.
On the one hand, we need to recognize the importance of the supply chain of key military materials and ensure our dominant position in international competition. On the other hand, we also need to take precautions to increase our own production capacity and reduce our dependence on international markets. In addition, the long-term solution is to promote peaceful development and reduce the possibility of military conflict through international cooperation and dialogue.
The security and stability of the modern military supply chain is directly related to a country's defense capability and international standing.
China's advantages in nitrocellulose production are not only the embodiment of the mainland's manufacturing capacity, but also provide strong support for the mainland's position in the international arena.
However, the international situation is changing rapidly, and we need to continuously improve our capabilities and respond flexibly to various challenges to ensure that we remain invincible in international competition.
The U.S. response to supply chain issues by increasing domestic production and tightening export controls provides important implications.
China should continue to leverage its manufacturing strengths to consolidate its position in the supply chain of critical military supplies, while promoting international cooperation for common development and peace.