美企偷拿中国关键矿物，用了一招瞒天过海，两个“帮凶”身份暴露

Group 1 - The article highlights the challenges faced by Western companies, particularly American buyers, in acquiring critical minerals like antimony, gallium, and germanium due to China's export control measures [2][4] - American buyers have resorted to using third countries, such as Thailand and Mexico, to import significant quantities of antimony, totaling approximately 3,834 tons from December 2023 to April 2024, which exceeds the total imports from the previous three years [2][4] - The emergence of Thailand and Mexico as major buyers of Chinese antimony, despite not being in the top ten prior to 2023, indicates a strategic shift in sourcing practices [2][4] Group 2 - The article discusses the legal implications for entities that violate China's export control regulations, including potential fines, export bans, and severe penalties for smuggling offenses [6][8] - China's recent actions to strengthen export controls and crack down on smuggling and illegal transfers highlight the government's commitment to safeguarding national security and development interests [6][8] - The article emphasizes that China's export control measures are legitimate and that the country is prepared to take further actions to prevent unauthorized access to strategic mineral resources [8]