US official says China-led supply chain a ‘hostage chain’ amid Pax Silica push

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PAX SILICA. US Undersecretary for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg (center) and BCDA CEO Joshua Bingcang (right) and World Bank Deputy Valerie Levkov (second from right) at the unveiling of the marker for Pax Silica at the site of the Economic Security Zone in New Clark City on May 18, 2026

Photo from X/Jacob Helberg

US Undersecretary for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg says, 'When ninety percent of a critical input comes from one country, you do not have a supply chain'

MANILA, Philippines – Visiting US Undersecretary for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg on Monday, May 18, defended the planned industrial hub in New Clark City under the US-led Pax Silica initiative, while sharply criticizing China’s dominance in critical technology supply chains, calling it a “hostage chain.”