Posting this because Libertarians and most on SN seem in denial of the seriousness of the challenge to western hegemony that China now presents. I doubt any amount of evidence will change that but it has to be at least attempted. The wealth of nations has always been and almost certainly always will be closely aligned with the skill and ability of their governments to support productivity, ensure security, invest in strategic sectors like supply chains, infrastructure, education, transport and energy to enable the economy to be competitive in the global markets.

Western capitalism is losing this competition with China- and Trump and major corporates now openly acknowledge this. Being deprived of rare earths would completely decimate the wests ability to produce high tech and military products. Yet Libertarians remain in denial of these huge issues that now threaten the wealth power and security of the western world.

Go on denying it and just relax as if there's no problem with your ideology and with the financialised crony neoliberalised capitalist west, but do not kid yourself that you are facing reality. You are not.