[ceejayoz]

When both are true at the same time, one might reflect on why "because China" is given as the pat answer.

[bluGill]

When the subject is China, the reflection isn't "because China". What we are seeing here is "Because US", which is very different.

[ceejayoz]

The subject of "Why is everyone preparing for war so hard" would seem to be "everyone", no?

[bluGill]

The subject is critical minerals. China is therefore why here. Of course in the large picture everyone is preparing for war.