Core Viewpoint - The article discusses China's export control on rare metals, particularly antimony and gallium, in response to U.S. technology blockades, highlighting the unexpected resilience of U.S. supply chains through third-party countries like Thailand and Mexico [2][3]. Group 1: Export Control and U.S. Response - In December 2024, China implemented export controls on critical rare metals, aiming to counter U.S. technology restrictions [2]. - Despite these controls, the U.S. managed to import approximately 3,834 tons of antimony from Thailand and Mexico, nearly matching the total imports from China over the past three years [3]. Group 2: Domestic Challenges - Some Chinese companies are reportedly engaging in practices to obscure the origin of these metals, labeling them as "Thai" or "Mexican" to facilitate their export to the U.S. [3][5]. - The rise of these practices raises concerns about the commitment of certain enterprises to national interests, as they prioritize profit over strategic resource management [5]. Group 3: Supply Chain Dynamics - The article describes a complex "smuggling chain" involving production, customs, transportation, and third-party labeling, indicating a well-organized network rather than isolated incidents [7]. - Thailand and Mexico are seen as opportunistic players in this scenario, capitalizing on the trade tensions between China and the U.S. [9]. Group 4: Regulatory Challenges - Current regulatory measures for tracking rare earth exports rely heavily on customs declarations and manual inspections, which are inadequate against sophisticated evasion tactics [10]. - There is a pressing need for enhanced regulatory frameworks, including the use of big data tracking and smart identification systems to ensure accountability in the export of these critical resources [12]. Group 5: Future Implications - Experts suggest that stringent measures must be enforced to deter companies from exploiting loopholes, with a focus on technological advancements like AI and blockchain to close these gaps [14]. - The potential for U.S. military applications of these rare metals raises significant security concerns for China, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding its strategic resources [14].