CNN reports that the Chinese government has slammed the Biden administration’s newly imposed export controls on U.S.-manufactured semiconductors that Washington fears Beijing could use to make the next generation of weapons and artificial intelligence (“AI”) systems.
The new export controls, executed yesterday (12/2/2024), have raised the political temperature between the world’s top two economies, which according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, are to slow China’s development of advanced AI tools that could be used in war and to undercut China’s semiconductor industry – which threatens the national security of the United States and its allies.
In response, China immediately banned the sale of a number of materials crucial for the production of semiconductors and electric vehicle batteries for the United States. The export of gallium, germanium, antimony and other ‘super hard’ materials will not be permitted because they may be used for military purposes, according to China’s Ministry of Commerce.
The CNN article may be read in its entirety HERE.
My brothers and sisters, although on the surface this development may seem a bit mundane, it strikes this writer as a ‘warning’ of sorts to those who are rushing the country to move into all-electric vehicles and are less-than-hawkish about protecting the U.S. technological edge over often stolen or copied U.S. technology.
It is not hyperbole to suggest that the semiconductor industry and an overdependence in the face of insufficient infrastructure (e.g., electrical grid, battery charging capabilities, cost-effective recycling and re-manufacturing operations) on materials primarily mined and processed in China represent a genuine threat to U.S. security interests.
Whether it is U.S. debt owned by foreign countries (e.g., China) or attempts to prematurely shift the U.S. economy and infrastructure away from an oil and gas focus (if that is even advisable), these issues lead straight to motive and wisdom.
What is the true reason for insisting upon moving away from oil and gas, when so far the deadlines for ‘tragedy’ made by climate alarmists over the last 20 or 30 years, including the upcoming ‘ice age’ predicted in the 1970s, have all passed without fanfare? What is the actual reason for seemingly not caring about America’s standard of living and leadership in the global community (as a beacon of freedom, innovation and generosity) – could it be power, control, arrogance or evil?
It is an undeniable Biblical truth that the people of China are made in the image of God and are deeply loved by the Father, but the communist government of the People’s Republic of China is not a ‘friend’ to the United States! It stands opposed to the very freedom that so many in Taiwan, for instance, seek and currently enjoy – at least in comparison to those living in mainland China.
As the United States moves forward, this writer appreciates the Biden administration’s efforts, and the incoming Trump administration’s goals, to keep Chinese dominance in check. I am encouraged that President-elect Trump seems to appreciate the blessings of fossil fuels and how any rushed attempt to move American society away from oil and gas – which are God-given products used to fuel and manufacture almost everything you will see, touch, use or eat today – is a formula for American decline in every aspect of our lives.
It is harder for those living in poverty and under heavy-handed state control to be the hands and feet of Jesus to the world. Praise God that He hears and answers our prayers regardless of our governmental systems!
The Bible tells us that God provides wisdom and common sense to those who are faithful and depart from evil:
Proverbs 3:7 (NKJV)
“Do not be wise in your own eyes; [f]ear the Lord and depart from evil.”
Proverbs 2:6-8 (NLT)
“For the Lord grants wisdom! From [H]is mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to [H]im.”
The Bible tells us that God has already given us all things pertaining to life and godliness, through His knowledge, not the wisdom of the world:
2 Peter 1:3 (NKJV)
“…His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue…”.
1 Corinthians 3:19 (NLT)
“For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. As the Scriptures say, ‘He traps the wise in the snare of their own cleverness.’”