Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the dramatic shift in the European military industry's reliance on Chinese nitrocellulose, revealing the consequences of previous sanctions against Xinjiang cotton and the current urgent need for high-quality raw materials [1][5][6]. Group 1: European Military Industry Challenges - European military giants, once vocal against Xinjiang cotton, are now scrambling to secure Chinese cotton short fibers, which have been nearly depleted [1][3]. - The EU's defense meeting revealed that only 70% of the planned 1 million artillery shells for Ukraine were delivered, primarily due to a shortage of high-quality nitrocellulose [5][6]. - The reliance on Chinese nitrocellulose has become critical, as over 90% of the supply comes from China, leading to production constraints for European defense contractors [6][21]. Group 2: Shift in Trade Dynamics - Russia's import of nitrocellulose from China surged from virtually zero to 1,365 tons in 2023, indicating a significant shift in trade dynamics [3][8]. - The transportation of nitrocellulose to Russia is facilitated through intermediaries in Central Asia and Turkey, highlighting a complex supply chain [8][10]. - China's production of nitrocellulose, which accounts for nearly half of the global output, is supported by a robust supply of Xinjiang cotton, ensuring a stable production process [16][19]. Group 3: Global Supply Chain Implications - The article emphasizes the strategic importance of raw materials like nitrocellulose in modern warfare, as they directly affect artillery output frequency [24][26]. - European countries are struggling to establish a comparable supply chain to China's, despite efforts to revive local production [21][22]. - The ongoing competition for nitrocellulose illustrates a broader trend in geopolitical dynamics, where supply chain stability becomes a critical factor in military readiness [23][26].