Core Insights - Tungsten has emerged as a critical resource in military industrial applications, with a melting point of 3400°C and hardness second only to diamond, making it essential for armor-piercing ammunition, missile engine components, and advanced chip manufacturing [1][7]. Resource Comparison - Global tungsten reserves are approximately 4.6 million tons, with China holding 2.4 million tons (52.17%), Russia at 450,000 tons, and the U.S. at only 140,000 tons [3]. - In China, the Jiangxi Gannan region hosts significant tungsten deposits, with the Zhu Xi tungsten mine and Wu Ning Da Hu Tang tungsten mine holding reserves of 2.86 million tons and 1.06 million tons, respectively, surpassing the combined reserves of the U.S. and Russia [3]. U.S. and Russian Challenges - The U.S. has ceased commercial tungsten mining since 2015, relying on imports for 58% of its tungsten alloy needs, primarily from China [5]. - Russia's tungsten mining is hindered by extreme environmental conditions and high transportation costs, limiting its production capacity to 3,000 tons per year, which is only one-twentieth of China's output [5]. Military Applications - Tungsten's military value is highlighted in the Ukraine conflict, where tungsten alloy armor-piercing shells can penetrate thick armor due to their high density [7]. - The U.S. military consumes over 6,000 tons of tungsten annually, and any disruption in the supply chain could cripple half of its weapon production lines [7]. Supply Chain Control - China controls the entire tungsten supply chain, from mining to high-end processing, implementing annual quotas and monopolizing deep processing technologies, which increases costs for Western companies by 30% [9]. - Export restrictions on tungsten products starting in 2025 have already led to a 25% drop in export volumes, pushing international tungsten prices close to historical highs [9]. Historical Context - The competition for tungsten resources dates back to the 1930s, with significant historical events involving tungsten trade impacting military capabilities during World War II and the Cold War [12][14]. - The ongoing "tungsten war" reflects the geopolitical struggle for resource control, with China transitioning from a resource exporter to a technology price setter [16]. Future Implications - The strategic importance of tungsten is underscored by its applications in advanced technologies, such as nano tungsten wires for chip etching and tungsten-molybdenum alloys for hypersonic missiles [16]. - The potential for a supply disruption from China is recognized as a top-tier risk for the U.S. military, with significant implications for various industries, including aerospace and semiconductors [16].