text: Impacts and Mitigation:Unfortunately, the U.S. outsourced nearly half of its manufacturing to China over the past two decades. A large portion of our consumer goods and spare parts for durable goods are now manufactured there. Any conflict with China in the Pacific will likely result in significant supply chain disruptions in the U.S. and Europe. U.S. businesses can front-run this potential conflict by seeking suppliers outside of Asia. Those with manufacturing concerns in China should seek alternate manufacturing means and locations in geographical areas not subject to Chinese control or manipulation. U.S. consumers should anticipate significant disruptions in supply chains and build up at least 90 days’ worth of essential food and supplies. A 90-day buffer on your critical supplies allows you to adapt to shortages and find new sources and alternate supplies.Taiwan produces 40% of the world’s high-end microchips. This means that a large portion of that market may be unavailable for an extended period starting around the commencement of hostilities. As we witnessed during the most recent microchip shortage in 2020-21, there was a significant decrease in the availability of new automobiles, agricultural equipment, and industrial machinery that relied on these chips – plan accordingly. Overall, expect cyberattacks on critical infrastructures like power grids and financial networks – so have an alternate electrical power source and available cash for emergencies. Currently, China is deeply embedded in Left-wing organizations like Black Lives Matter, ANTIFA, Code Pink, and a host of social justice NGOs. China has also developed significant “friends” in politics, academia, and the entertainment industry. If China executes the most dangerous course of action, expect increasing civil unrest across the country, but particularly in cities and areas along political seams (red/blue lines). Citizens and businesses should have a realistic security plan and be prepared to provide for their own defense. – M.M.Additional Mitigation Considerations:Cyber attacks on the Homeland are likely to happen if the scenarios above occur. State-sponsored cyber attacks can impact the power grid, water distribution, telecommunication, and navigation. Water supply risk considerations are a primary concern. Evaluating your water storage capacity while ensuring you have an alternate water source with proper filtration is critical. This requires intentional examination of your current water usage and the water supply you and your family would need if your source were disrupted due to regional power outages. Power disruptions can be mitigated through power generators (gas or electric). Solar panels are a common method of alternate small-scale power generation required to power smaller electronic items needed for communication. I’ve personally witnessed houses in the Midwest that have small wind turbines on their property to offset solar generation on cloudy days. Power generation is a necessary consideration to enable communications as well.Telecommunication and internet disruptions are seen in both manmade and natural causes. Off-grid communication capability considerations should be evaluated based on local, regional, and global needs. Local communication gaps can be filled with radios or off-grid message tools (meshtastic/goTenna) that have a limited range but have the benefit of decentralization. Regional communication needs require more power, and ham radio options with repeaters that require a license can fill this gap. Ham radio does offer farther-reaching options through the High Frequency band. Satellite communications is a distant-range communication option but often comes with a subscription requirement. Lastly, navigational dependencies through GPS is also a consideration when evaluating downline impacts from cyberattack. Having paper and online maps of the local and regional area with a reliable compass is important if one is expected to navigate in unfamiliar areas during times of disruption. – D.F.