Former US military leaders are lobbying Congress to reject a Republican push to repeal billions of dollars in tax credits for critical minerals, warning it would leave the country vulnerable to China.

A group of 23 retired four-star generals and admirals have asked Jason Smith, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, to protect five tax breaks covering advanced manufacturing, clean vehicles and electricity production. The committee is expected to vote on the fate of some of the credits next week.

The former military leaders are members of Safe, a group focused on critical minerals and energy security which is funded via donors ranging from charitable foundations to industry and the US government. They include Admiral Dennis Blair, a former director of national intelligence, and General Joseph Dunford, the 19th chairman of the joint chiefs of staff.