数千吨稀土被运往美国，两个国家充当了帮凶，担心的事还是发生了

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges and strategies related to the U.S. dependence on rare earth resources, particularly in light of recent export bans from China and the subsequent circumvention of these bans through third-party countries [3][10][22]. Group 1: U.S. Dependence on Rare Earths - The U.S. has a significant demand for rare earth minerals, yet it faces shortcomings in domestic mining and refining capabilities due to decades of neglect [5][6]. - The high-tech and military industries in the U.S. have become critically dependent on rare earths, making them irreplaceable [6]. Group 2: Circumvention of Export Bans - Following China's export ban on key minerals like gallium, germanium, and antimony, unusual trade patterns emerged, with Thailand and Mexico suddenly becoming major importers of antimony [8][10]. - These countries have limited capabilities in the relevant industries, raising suspicions that the U.S. is using them as intermediaries to covertly import Chinese rare earth resources [9][10]. Group 3: China's Response - In response to the U.S. tactics, China has initiated a special action to combat the smuggling of strategic minerals, enhancing monitoring of trade data from key transit countries [16][19]. - New regulations have been implemented to ensure stricter oversight of mineral exports to the U.S., requiring producers to submit detailed transaction information [20][19]. Group 4: Implications for International Trade - The U.S. actions to bypass export controls undermine the fairness and integrity of international trade, challenging China's policies aimed at ensuring national security and sustainable resource management [22].